“Heroes Mural” honoring firefighters who battled the Cranston Fire unveiled in Idyllwild
A mural paying tribute to firefighters, notably those who helped protect the community during the Cranston Fire, unveiled in Idyllwild.
The Cranston Fire burned more than 13,000 near Idyllwild and Mountain Center in July and August. In total, the fire destroyed 12 buildings and damaged five others and forced the evacuation of Idyllwild, Lake Hemet, Mountain Center, and Pine Cove.
The “Heroes Mural” mural depicts firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, CalFire and Idyllwild Fire.
“The mural represents the hard work that both law enforcement and the firefighters do to keep the community safe,” said Third District County Supervisor Chuck Washington.
Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Leonard Purvis of the Valle Vista station and members of CalFire joined Washington as the “Heroes Mural” was unveiled at the Idyllwild Public Library.
Watch: Idyllwild Fire Protection District Chief reflects on Cranston Fire in exclusive interview
“We are so excited to have this. We are so blessed to have this in our town,” Reitz said. “We all come together for a common cause and that is to help our fellow human beings.”
Keith Blum, the artist behind the mural, said he recalls seeing the fire and smoke from his home in Palm Springs.
“I saw the smoke coming off the mountain, thick and dark, often blocking out the sun and dropping ash on us,” Blum said.
Blum donated the mural to the library after seeing the “valiant efforts of the firefighters” to protect homes in Idyllwild. Local businesses donated supplies, meals, and, lodging over the month Blum spent painting the mural. Blum added a special thank you to his supporters in the mural.
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