Cranston Fire evacuation orders lifted in Idyllwild and other communities
A number of evacuation orders out in place due to the Cranston Fire have been lifted according to the Riverside County Emergency Management Department . This affects the communities of Pine Cove, Fern Valley, Cedar Glen, and Idyllwild. Only residents are allowed to return to those areas.
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Road access is available from Highway 243 in Banning where proof of residency is required, such as a copy of a utility bill. This comes after an evacuation order was lifted for Garner Valley south of Morris Ranch Road Saturday.
Some residents returned to their homes Sunday for the first time in days — in some cases, the fire had burned right up to the perimeter of their backyards.
“We really just did not think there was a chance. I mean we could see our home in the view with the wall of flames and we just did not understand the power of firefighters…and now they are our biggest heroes,” said Idyllwild resident Kiki Giet.
Seven homes have been reportedly destroyed by the Cranston Fire. “We feel very lucky and feel blessed that no more damage was done to the community. Unfortunately some people did lose their homes and our heart goes out to them,” said Mark Garrett, another resident of Idyllwild.
Firefighters and emergency personnel continue to work on putting out spot fires, cutting down burning trees, and repairing power poles.
Many people returned to find their homes coated in pink fire retardant. Lucy Newman, a 9-year-old resident of Idyllwild said she didn’t mind, she was just grateful to have her home: “If it wasn’t for them we’d be homeless and tomorrow’s my birthday…so it was my dream to be home on my birthday, and thanks them I can wake up in my own bed,” she said.
The Riverside County Environmental Health Department also urged families returning home to get rid of their perishable food products, since refrigerators in many areas have been without power in several days.
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