According to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Murawski, Freddie Meza, 30, of Murrieta was driving north on Highway 243 near mile marker 19 at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, when he lost the brakes in his semi truck carrying concrete from a demolished building in Pine Cove. Meza plowed the truck into an embankment to stop the vehicle. Neither Meza nor his passenger, Hernan Orozco, 26, of San Bernardino, were injured in the solo traffic collision.

The Idyllwild Fire Protection District is reminding everyone not to bury or block fire hydrants when moving or removing snow from their driveways, as this will cause serious delays if it is necessary to access a fire hydrant in case of a fire. IFPD further encourages residents to “adopt” a fire hydrant near their home…

3:21 p.m.: The Cal Fire helicopter was released from the fire. 3:05 p.m.: TC photographer Steven King reports “it looks primarily like ground fuel, they have a handle on it, heli[copter] circulating but not currently dropping.” 2:47 p.m.: Indian Fire incident commander has started canceling resources, a good sign. IC is requesting an arson investigator….