Idyllwild and other mountain communities stay prepared for wildfires as Nixon Fire burns

Much like residents in the Coachella Valley yesterday, Idyllwild residents noticed the smoke from the Nixon Fire, which is burning in south Riverside County.

Joel Feingold, a longtime resident of Idyllwild and a volunteer for its Mountain Community Patrol, says the smoke caused some concern yesterday. "Anytime we can clearly see smoke billowing just over the mountain beyond us, I mean, people get nervous right away," he explains.

The latest update from CalFire shows the Nixon Fire has grown to 4,500 acres with 0% containment. The fire is roughly 18 miles southwest of Idyllwild, near Aguanga.

Amelia McMahon, who owns Amelia's Donuts Bakery Cafe in the heart of Idyllwild, has lived in the community for seven years; she's been running her bakery for five. She has a clear memory of devastating fires in years past.

"I know a couple of people who lost their homes," McMahon says of the Cranston Fire, which happened in 2018. "It was crazy. The town had to evacuate so fast and they opened up [Highway 243] headed towards Banning and let people drive down both sides. And we were evacuated for about four days."

While the Nixon Fire and its smoke have shifted away from the Coachella Valley and our mountain communities, Idyllwild residents – and public safety agencies – remain prepared for future wildfire threats.

Feingold suggests Idyllwild residents should keep their gas tanks full, have a bag that's been pre-packed if they need to leave, and to be stocked with emergency food and water.

Meanwhile, McMahon keeps both her home and business stocked with essential supplies for emergencies. This includes cases of water bottles and dry foods, like beans and lentils. She even keeps spare pet food and bird food, all of which she is willing to provide to those in need during an emergency.

Chief Salvador Reyes of the United States Forest Service also says all residents should stay alert and up to date on emergency information. And most importantly, he says, “People just need to be aware and ready for on a moment's notice to respond to whatever those emergency services are directing them in and asking them to do.”

Some websites he suggests include rivcoready.org, which has resources for active events and disaster preparedness.