Locals remember the mountain fire at the two year anniversary

It’s the 2 year anniversary of the mountain fire that burned more than 27,000 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest.

The fire destroyed 23 buildings, including seven homes.

As the fire moved north, the focus shifted to Idyllwild.

Nearly 6,000 people from the communities of Idyllwild and Fern Valley were evacuated.

Phyllis Mueller was out of town when she and her husband heard the news about the mountain fire

“We had burning timbers landing on our property, and you can still see them there today. And there was so much smoke and there’s only one way out from where we live so there was no choice,” Mueller said.

Two years later, she’s happy to see her community has bounced back better than before.

Businesses in downtown say they’re thriving.

“It’s flourished, it’s been really good. And there’s been new restaurants opening and new businesses coming to town,” sever Tara Wilson said.

Some even speculate the recent lake fire had something to do with an uptick in visitors.

“There’s that thought floating around the community that when the lake fire broke out, people who had their plans for that area looked for someplace else, diverted their plans here. So we saw an increase of tourism that was a level beyond what we could really expect,” Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz said.

But the lake fire also served as a reminder of what could happen to the community yet again.

“We’re nervous. There’s still a lot of fuel out there. We’re in the middle of a drought – It’s dry and all it takes is a spark,” Reitz said.

But Reitz said they’re taking every precaution necessary.

“We are working with the federal agencies. They’re cooperating with local government, trying to get the fuel reduced out there,” Reitz said.

And while Mueller hopes there won’t be a repeat, if there is, she’s ready

“I’m smart about getting out of dodge. I watch that constantly on a daily basis here. Anytime there’s a helicopter, anytime I smell smoke, I call the Fire Department. One thing we’re better at is we’re faster to get out if we have to. Last time, it took a few hours,” Mueller said.