Idyllwild bush fire extends to 4,700 acres as a fire suspect arrested

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KABC) –

A bushfire erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest on Wednesday, causing evacuations at Idyllwild, where 600 homes were threatened.

The fire continued to spread rapidly Southern California Heat Wave. In the early evening, it has expanded to 4,700 acres with a 5% containment, according to firefighters.

Authorities arrested a 32-year-old man from Temecula, identified as Brandon N. McGlover, for lighting multiple fires in the area, including the Idyllwild fire. He was held for five counts of arson.

VIDEO: Authorities Arrest Possible Arson Related to Cranston Fire

The rapidly expanding fire, dubbed the Cranston Fire, ignited around noon. The fire burned near Highway 74 between Hemet and Mountain Center, according to officials at the San Bernardino National Forest. He later jumped off Highway 243 while she was still spreading.

Authorities told Eyewitness News that about 600 homes were threatened by the fire. At least five houses were destroyed.

Compulsory evacuation orders were issued for all residents southeast of Highway 243 as well as for all Idyllwild, Apple Canyon, Hurky Creek, Bonita Vista, Lake Hemet and Fern Valley. Idyllwild were evacuated including Idyllwild Arts, Maranatha Camp, Idyllwild Pines, Camp Astro, Camp Emerson and Tahquitz Pines.
Additional evacuations were conducted at Mountain Center along McGaugh Road and McCall Park Road.

More than 2,100 homes and 3,200 people were evacuated, in addition to summer camps in the area.

The following roads were closed due to fire:

– Highway 74 between the Cranston Fire Station and Hemet Lake [19659002] – Route 243 between Pine Cove and Mountain Center

An evacuation center was established at Banning High School, 100 W. Westward Ave. in Banning. The animals could be evacuated to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus at 581 S. Grand in San Jacinto

Power outages have also been reported, with approximately 3,800 customers in the Idyllwild area without electricity . Updates have been provided by Southern California Edison.

Temperatures in the Inland Empire are expected to reach three figures in some areas on Wednesday.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department opened a fire information center. information: (909) 383-5688.