Route 74 and 243 reopen after Cranston Fire
State routes 74 and 243 are back open to the public with access to Idyllwild, Mountain Center, Apple Canyon and Hemet.
Pilot vehicles will escort motorists through the mountainside between Lake Hemet and Mountain Center and from Mountain Center to Valle Vista/Hemet. People traveling through the area should drive at reduced speeds and expect delays up to 45 minutes.
Although the roads are open, locals say a lot needs to happen before life gets back to normal. “It’s been very traumatizing for everyone on the mountain,” said Matt Ropac, a resident of Idyllwild.
Some have been recounting and replaying the terrifying moments flames were in their backyards: “I walked out on my balcony and there was a 200 foot wall of fire about three miles wide […] I’ve been through a lot in my life but that was the single most terrifying event I have ever been through,” said Ropac.
Locals say the streets of Idyllwild are usually packed on a normal weekend, but business has been extremely slow due to the fires. “Today I got sent home early because there are too many people working and not enough tables. There was nobody there and usually it’s packed — we [usually] have every single table full there,” said Trinitie Standish, a local employee and resident.
The Cranston Fire is 96 percent contained and expected to be fully controlled by next Thursday.
Fewer than 200 firefighters remain assigned to the area, however road crews are actively replacing guard rails and traffic signs along the routes.
Electric infrastructure is complete and Southern California Edison and the Anza Electric co-op were working to re-energize lines.
South Ridge Trail, South Ridge Road and part of the Pacific Crest Trail will remain closed to hikers.
The public can call (909) 383-5688 for more information on closures.
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