(KGTV) - A fire in Riverside County that authorities believe was started intentionally grew in size Friday as evacuation orders remain in effect.
The Cranston Fire in Riverside County, which was believed to have been sparked by an alleged arsonist, is holding steady early Thursday morning after burning thousands of acres and destroying numerous homes.
The Cranston Fire near Idyllwild has burned 11,500 acres and is 3 percent contained as of Friday morning, according to Cal Fire officials.
#CranstonFire estimated fire perimeter from last nights infrared flight pic.twitter.com/o2xQPoMZ6v
— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) July 27, 2018
The blaze erupted just before 12 p.m. Wednesday near Highway 74 and Control Road in Hemet, a town west of Palm Springs. Authorities called for the evacuation of Idyllwild, Apple Canyon, Lake Hemet, Mountain Center, Mt. San Jacinto State Park, Hurkey Creek, Fern Valley, Pine Cove, and Cedar Glen.
RELATED: Fire near Idyllwild forces evacuations
Northside of Garner Valley, and all homes accessed from roads north of Hialeah Way, south of Hialeah through south of Hwy 371 are also under evacuation.
The Camp Scherman Girl Scout Camp and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway were also forced to evacuate.
Cal Fire, Riverside County Fire and San Bernardino National Forest crews are battling the fire. Cal Fire crews from San Diego, as well as San Diego Fire-Rescue and Lakeside Fire personnel, are also a part of the firefighting effort.
Cal Fire said 1,393 firefighting personnel are assigned to the fire.
While the cause of the fire is under investigation, authorities arrested 32-year-old Temecula resident Brandon N. McGlover on suspicion of intentionally setting multiple fires in Riverside County, including the Cranston Fire.
Evacuees looking for where to bring large pets are asked to call the Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services at 951-358-7387, and to stay on the line through their recording to be transferred to their emergency line.
Road closures have been implemented at:
- HWY 74 from City of Hemet to Lake Hemet
- HWY 243 from Banning to intersection of 243 and HWY 74
Recreation closures have been issued for:
- Humber Park
- Lake Hemet Picnic Area
- Marion Mountain Campground
- Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) N of State Hwy 74
- Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout
- Dark Canyon Campground
- Black Mountain Group Campground
- Boulder Basin Campground
- Devil’s Slide Trail
- Fern Basin Campground
An evacuation center has been established at Banning High School, located at 100 W. Westward Ave in Banning. The school is open for residents, to reunify with campers, and for small and large animals. San Jacinto High School is also open for large animals.
RELATED: Former San Diegan evacuated in Idyllwild's Cranston Fire
