Family loses everything in Cranston Fire
Ernesto Ale and his family lost their house in Idyllwild during the Cranston Fire. Friends described them as “very hard working and the most loving, caring and giving people.”
Ernesto Ale is a musician, often playing in cafes and local venues. He lost over ten guitars, his upright piano and his life’s collection of written sheet music.
“It’s well over $10,000…just on the things I could put a value on,” said Ale, speaking to the extensive damage. “But I can’t really put a value on grandpa’s jewelry box…the handmade alter that I made…or Mom’s Afgan rug,” he said.
Ale and KESQ’s Madison Weil walked through his burned property together, sifting through the ashes. Determined to find the good in any situation, Ale said, “The house is not still standing. There’s nothing I can do about that. Except deal with it, and make it into a blessing.”
If you would like to donate to the Ale family, click here for their GoFundMe page.
The town of Idyllwild is also hosting a three day benefit festival called “Idyllwild Strong” set to take place the weekend of August 17-19. The event is free and open to all ages, and will feature over 40 bands, raffles, auctions and local vendors. All proceeds will go towards helping those affected by the fire.
Watch at 6 p.m. on News Channel 3 and 6:30 p.m. on CBS Local 2 as Madison Weil highlights Ernesto’s story and examines what the family has lost.
Authorities believe Brandon N. McGlover, 32, of Temecula, started the Cranston Fire along with seven other fires on July 25. He pleaded not guilty to 15 felonies and is being held in lieu of $3.5 million bail pending a Sept. 24 felony settlement conference.
The Cranston Fire was fully contained today, burning a total of 13,139-acres in the Idyllwild-Mountain Center area. The cost of fighting the fire has been estimated at $20 million, with the final cost projected at $23 million, officials said. Three firefighters suffered non-life threatening injuries battling fire.
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Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
