Idyllwild residents thank firefighters, town returning back to normal
After a whirlwind past couple of days, cars are finally filling the Idyllwild streets, residents are in the stores and enjoying the shops.
Many say they are relieved and most importantly thankful, to the firefighters that saved this town. You would think it’s just another summer day in downtown Idyllwild.
But residents have been through so much in the past week. Today they banded together and reunited at the post office, coffee shops, and in the streets. Posters throughout the town express gratitude towards firefighters.
“I’m so grateful, we are so blessed. my family is so grateful. There are no words to describe what they’ve done. They’ve saved our homes, they saved our village,” said Anndee Baird, an Idyllwild resident.
Cranston Fire public information officer Kevin Tidwell spoke with residents one on one as he assessed the damage caused by the fire. He says he is happy to see things returning back to normal.
“Residents have been very relieved, thankful, excited to be home and we’re happy they’re back and the town is opening up again. It’s good to see they’re so happy, Tidwell said.
As you walk through the town, you see trees, visibly damaged, but much like the residents, standing tall, strong, and deeply rooted in the community.
“That’s what’s important to live in a small town. Be there for the people. Forget going to work for a couple days and just try to make sure everyone is okay and that’s more important to me than anything,” said Ronald Ratcliff, an Idyllwild resident since 1996.
Locals said they are starting to recover, starting to feel better. and also looking forward to visitors and tourists.
The Cranston Fire is now 92% contained as of Wednesday night, with full containment expected by August 9. All evacuation orders are expected to be lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday, though proof of residency, business ownership or employment in the area will be required.
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