The evacuations ordered as a brush fire rips the house to Idyllwild

A bush fire that could have been intentionally erected Wednesday in the San Bernardino National Forest, burning at least 1,200 acres, destroying at least one house and leading to road closures and evacuations in the area. reported at approximately noon on National Highway 74 in the forest area between Hemet and Mountain Center, according to the US Forest Service. The fire was burning "with a rapid spread rate," according to the USFS. No injuries were reported in relation to the fire, which was zero percent content Wednesday afternoon.

The cause of the fire was not confirmed, but an incident report from the California Highway Patrol indicated that a person was detained, in connection with arson. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Idyllwild, Mountain Center residents along McGaugh and McCall Park roads and Pine Cove and Fern Valley communities.

"Leave the area immediately," says a Twitter post of the USFS

Authorities have established an evacuation center for residents and campers to Banning High School, 100 W. Westward Ave. Small animals may also be evacuated to Banning High School, while large animals must be transported to San Jacinto High School at 500 Idyllwild Drive.

Closed roads include Highway 74 between Cranston Fire Station. and Lake Hemet. The authorities also issued a smoke alert for the area, indicating that winds could bring smoke to various parts of Riverside County. including Coachella Valley, Banning Pass, Hemet Valley / San Jacinto, Perris Valley and Anza

The notice will be in force until Thursday morning.

A fire information call center was also established at (909) 383-5688.

Copyright City News Service