Mountain communities evacuate as flames spread

Residents who live near Mountain Center always have a plan in case of fire. But, when flames spread this quickly, plans fall apart.

The wildfire started around 1:45 PM on Monday and thanks to a second straight season of drought conditions, grew exponentially. The only thing helping to slow the spread of the fire is the vast amount of resources available in the southland, thanks to the sparse fire activity elsewhere.

Several small communities have been evacuated with many of those residents wondering if they’ll ever see their home again.

The Living Free Animal Sanctuary was also forced to evacuate as flames threatened the property but, was able to move all the animals thanks to some local help. The shelter is now in desperate need of collapsible pet carriers, they are asking those who can spare them to bring them to the Lake Hemet Market on Highway 74.

Evacuation shelters have been set up at Hemet High School and at Hamilton High School in Anza. The San Jacinto Animal shelter is accepting animals of all sizes.