Voluntary evacuations issued in some areas of Cranston Fire burn scar
Riverside County officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for some neighborhoods in the Cranston Fire burn area this afternoon
Areas impacted include:
Hurkey Creek Apple Canyon Lake Hemet Fleming Ranch
Officials say those areas are to debris flows with little or no warning. Residents are adviced that now is the safest time to evacuate.
An evacuation center has been set up at Idyllwild School, 26700 Highway 243. Those who need help with animal evacuations can call (951) 358-7387.
“After the burn [from the Cranston fire], all the vegetation is gone and when this [rain] hits, it [debris] slides,” said Tracy Phillipis, a shelter manager with the American Red Cross.
Phillips’ helped set up an evacuation resource center at Iyllwild School for mountain communities under an evacuation warning. Water, food, blankets and shelter are available for anyone facing weather trouble.
Some locals are warning people to drive cautiously through Highway 74 and 243 during wet and windy conditions.
“I wouldn’t take it at all to be honest with you, ’cause it’s an extremely windy road, an extremely narrow road,” said Jaymie Wittie of Anza.
Debris and boulders blocked parts of Highway 74 and 243 temporarily. Cal trans crews cleared roads within minutes.
“Cal trans is great. They keep the roads open up here and as far as the Sheriffs Department, they are all over it. They’re patrolling constantly, helping people when they break down and the Highway Patrol as well,” said Kevin Cole of Palm Springs.
Check out our interactive weather radar
To check your evacuation status and for more information, go to www.RivCoReady.org/StormReady or call (951) 940-6985.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FIRST ALERT WEATHER APP!
The Cranston Fire burned 13,139 acres near Idyllwild and Mountain Center from July to August of last year. The area has been a flood risk since it was fully contained.
