Heavy rain passes through burn scar of Cranston Fire

The areas near the burn scar of the Cranston Fire were under a severe thunderstorm and flash flood warning Wednesday afternoon.

People living in Apple Canyon, Hurkey Creek, Strawberry Canyon, and Fleming Ranch were evacuated as officials wanted to take no chances with the possibility of mudslides and flash floods.

“I’m not ready to evacuate again. I’m just getting settled back in. If we have to do it again, I don’t know what we’re going to do,” said Patrick Price.

Price was forced to evacuate two weeks ago when the Cranston Fire burned dangerously close to his home. Now the rain is acting as a second threat.

“The fire took us out of work for two weeks. So me and my girlfriend were out for two weeks, and now this (potential heavy rain), it’s no good,” said Price.

Cal Trans, fire crews and sheriff’s deputies were on standby as the storm rolled through some of the mountain communities.

“They (Cal Trans) were out today to see the initial flood reaction, I think (to see) how the mountains were going to come down and what areas they needed to address and what not,” said an employee at a mini market near Lake Hemet, along Highway 74.

Cal Trans put out barriers along some hillsides to stop potential debris from falling into roadways.

“Hopefully it (heavy down pour) doesn’t happen. I think that’s what everyone’s hoping for up here. I don’t think anyone ready for it. The town is not the same. It’s quiet, no one comes up here, it’s depressing,” said Price. “When everyone gets back to work, when houses are rebuilt, towns back to normal, then everyone will go back to normal.”

A flash flood watch has been issued for local mountains Thursday afternoon through Thursday evening.