Cranston Fire UPDATE: Saturday, 9:20 a.m.
Acreage burned: 13,118 Containment: 17 percent
Personnel working the fire: 1,319
Engines: 194
Water Tenders: 5
Helicopters: 9
Fixed-wing: 3
Crews: 17
Dozers: 14
Estimated containment date: noon Thursday, Aug. 9
Fire is actively spreading east in Garner Valley outside of the 2013 Mountain Fire footprint. Currently concern is about unburned pockets within the fire’s perimeter. Fire is hung up on the South Ridge, held up by retardant lines so far. But very dry fuels are requiring ground and air support to protect Idyllwild.
Weather is expected to continue hot and dry through the weekend, with easterly winds in the afternoons and evenings. Slight chance of thunderstorms, increasing into next week with higher humidity. Winds will be northerly during upcoming nights.
Fire fighting is prioritized on structure defense using existing fuel breaks and fuel treatment areas, roads and naturally advantageous features of the ground.
Structures threatened: 4,927; Number of people evacuated, 7,002
Two firefighters have been injured. Paradise Corner is being advised of potential evacuation.
We have been allowed to return to the Hill as press members to provide updates after being evacuated during the past 24 hours. More to come.
