Authorities lift Evacuation Order for Idyllwild, Fern Valley
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department/OES and Idyllwild Fire Protection District, is lifting the Evacuation Order for the communities of Idyllwild and Fern Valley, and rescinding the Evacuation Warning for Pine Cove as of 11:00 AM today. Only local residents and business owners in these effected areas will be allowed to repopulate. No visitors will be allowed into the area until after 11:00 PM.Call (909) 383-5688 for more information.
Fire Officials have determined the threat to the community from the 27,245 acre wildfire has been diminished due to increased containment and rainfall at the higher elevations. Firefighting personnel and equipment are still working in and around the affected areas and the Mountain communities. Residents are encouraged to please use caution while driving back into the area and resuming day-to-day activities. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will continue security patrols in Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and surrounding communities as they repopulate and settle.
– Residents and business owners returning must do so through the Repopulation Distribution Centers to ensure residents have priority entry. Residents and business owners will receive an access pass to prevent unnecessary hazards and delays in the effected areas.
– Residents and business owners need to check-in at one of three Distribution Centers to receive an access pass. The Riverside Sheriff’s Department will issue a resident and/or business owner/employee pass, which must be displayed in order to re-enter the evacuated areas.
– Proper identification will be required showing residency in the affected communities and must be shown at the Distribution Center. This includes, but is not limited to, a California Driver’s License/Identification Card, utility bill (plus Photo ID), or proof of employment. Special requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
– Distribution Centers are located at:
Lake Hemet Market, 56571 State Highway 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Banning High School, 100 W. Westward Ave, Banning, CA 92220
Cranston Forest Service Station #54, Highway 74 and Rouse Hill Truck Trail, Hemet, CA
Forest Closures:
The San Bernardino National Forest Closure Order #13-9 is still in effect and can be viewed at http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf Humber Park will also remain closed.
Road Closures:
Highway 243 will remain closed to the general public until 11:00PM. Residents with passes provided from an approved Distribution Center, as identified above will be allowed access through this road closure.
Every attempt is being made to safely return residents to the Idyllwild, Fern Valley and Pine Cove communities. Fire and law enforcement officials want to thank those affected by this evacuation for their safe and efficient evacuation and patience while the Mountain Fire posed a threat to their homes, infrastructure and communities as a whole. Residents returning to their homes should stay informed on the fires status, as conditions can change depending on weather and fire conditions.
Please use 911 only for an emergency. We have had numerous calls placed to 911 that make it harder for emergency personnel to respond to actual emergencies.
For Fire Information: 909-383-5688
