
Photo courtesy Zach Behrens, US Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service is doing pile burning Wednesday, Feb. 27, on the Westridge Fuel Break. The start time was 9:30 a.m. Firefighters are targeting about 300 piles.
Pile burning on Westridge
By Idyllwild Town Crier


The U.S. Forest Service is doing pile burning Wednesday, Feb. 27, on the Westridge Fuel Break. The start time was 9:30 a.m. Firefighters are targeting about 300 piles.
Riverside County Fire Department cautions business owners to be mindful of phony fire inspectors who have targeted businesses within the county. According to Riverside County Fire Marshall James Frater, his office is aware of about five instances of this occurring. During these challenging economic times, predators posing as “fire inspectors” take advantage and prey upon…
Travel along highways 74 and 243 has increased since stay-at-home restrictions have loosened up. However, expect delays traveling both highways, up to 20-30 minutes. “Culvert work continues on State Route 74 and State Route 243,” wrote Philip Havins, Caltrans public information officer for maintenance, in an email last week. “The tentative completion date is mid-October 2020. Although, that timeframe…
No new actions were taken at the Feb. 8 meeting of the County Service Area 38 (Pine Cove) Advisory Committee. The committee did review the status of several proposed acquisitions and projects — purchase of a wood chipper and masticator, the Type 6 engine, and constructing the shade cover and deck for Station 23. Michael…
Victims of recent wildfires whose property was damaged or destroyed may be eligible for property tax relief in Riverside County. In response to the disasters, Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Larry Ward and Treasurer-Tax Collector Don Kent have teamed up to assist victims countywide. Taxpayers may be eligible to have their property reassessed and their Dec. 10 property tax…
Public hearing likely in December In an unanimous vote, directors of the Fern Valley Water District authorized staff to proceed with mailing information and scheduling a public hearing later this year on the proposed water rate increase. At the Oct. 20 board meeting they voted to proceed with preparation of the Proposition 218 material. The…
Update 2:28 p.m. Thursday June 6: SCE Media Advisor of Corporate Communications Mary Ann Milbourn also confirmed today that the helicopters have been hired by SCE to survey lines and poles in the area to not only prevent catastrophes, but to protect residents and visitors to the mountain communities. She also said that depending on…