Early in the morning of Friday, Jan. 30, a man and his son escaped a burning house in Idyllwild. While the entrance is on Marion View Drive, its location is about equally between Marion View and S. Circle drives.
The fire caused power lines to fall on Marion View Drive, which was closed for several more hours and made the fighting of the fire difficult, according to Town Crier photographer Jenny Kirchner.
The fire’s heat was very intense, Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz said. A neighbor’s home incurred moderate exterior damage.
“I’m very grateful for the rain,” Reitz emphasized. “If it happened another time of year, the outcome could have been worse.”
There were no working smoke detectors in the residence, according to Reitz. “The residents woke up to smoke and heard the fire. They were able to evacuate to the neighbors,” he said. A 911 call was placed from there. Escaping were Andrew Luke and his son, Wyatt.
Besides the numerous fire crews, Idyllwild Fire initially responded with an engine, the ladder truck and an ambulance. Joining IFD were Volunteer Company 621, and engines from Riverside County Fire Department stations 23 (Pine Cove) and 53 (Garner Valley). Also, Edison and Time Warner dispatched service crews.
While the fire’s start appears accidental, the cause is under investigation. IFD did transport the adult and child to Eisenhower Medical Center for evaluation, Reitz added.
Kaarin Elizabeth is collecting donations for the family. They will need tools for work, clothing ... anything people can spare. Clothing sizes needed are 34 waist men's pants and men's medium or large shirts and clothing for a 2.5-year-old toddler boy. Call Kaarin at (951) 282-8291.
