According to Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz, “Idyllwild dodged a bullet” because of the fuel breaks. He said that not only the fuel breaks helped, but cooperating winds and aggressive air attacks contributed.
The chief gave the Forest Service much credit. Sixteen Idyllwild Fire personnel are assigned to the fire.
On Wednesday, Idyllwild Fire received three medical calls during the fire and sought assistance from American Medical Response, which brought up a strike team of ambulances.
Reitz further stated that the main Edison feed near Idyllwild Arts was damaged in the fire, and several electric poles in the Saunders Meadow area were burned.