A wildfire that broke out Wednesday in Mountain Center has spread rapidly prompting evacuations and the closure of both Highway 74 and 371 in the area.
Cranston Fire closes Routes 74 and 243 to Idyllwild and Mountain Center #caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/Fx1zy6KVZQ
— Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) July 25, 2018
The blaze was reported a little after 12 pm. It had consumed 3,500 acres as of 8 pm, according to officials from the San Bernardino National Forest.
#CranstonFire #BDF The fire is really taking off now. If you live in #MountainCenter or #idyllwild be ready to go. The fire is mostly terrain driven right now, but winds will increase from the west this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/KfpVG3xq8X
— Dave Toussaint (@engineco16) July 25, 2018
From my back yard on TwinPines Rd Banning pic.twitter.com/HWCWWF37f0
— Mariane Miller (@miller_mariane) July 25, 2018
Evacuations have been ordered for southwest Idyllwild. In addition, the following roads have been closed:
- Highway 74 between Cranston Fire Station and Lake Hemet
- Highway 243 between Pine Cover and Mountain Center
- Highway 74 and Highway 243 are open for those leaving the area, but closed for those attempting to come up the hill.
#CranstonFire Update:
– Mandatory evacuations for southwest Idyllwild. Leave the area immediately.
– Estimated at 200 acres with a rapid rate of spread.
– CC @IdyllEmergency— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) July 25, 2018
Update: ABC 7 is reporting that a person has been detained for questioning as officials believe the fire may be the result of arson:
#BREAKING #CranstonFire in IE believed to be arson, @ABC7 has learned; person detained for questioninghttps://t.co/zOjnqJwKzk pic.twitter.com/YXk9Z6wC6p
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 25, 2018
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
