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

A bush fire that could have been intentionally erected erupted today in the San Bernardino National Forest, burning at least 1,200 acres and leading to road closures and evacuations in the area.

The Cranston fire was reported around noon Route 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 connection with the fire, which was zero percent confined on Wednesday afternoon. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but an incident log from the California Highway Patrol indicates that a person has been detained, possibly in connection with a arson attack.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for residents of Southwest Idyllwild McGaug Roads and McCall Park

"Leave the area immediately," advised a USFS post on Twitter

an evacuation center for residents and campers at 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, warning that winds could bring smoke to various parts of Riverside County. , including Coachella Valley, Banning Pass, Hemet / San Jacinto Valley, Perris Valley and Anza. The notice will be in force until Thursday morning.

A fire information call center for the public has also been established at (909) 383-5688.

Copyright City News Service