Evacuations Recommended For Cranston Burn Areas

IDYLLWILD, CA – Residents who live in the area where the Cranston Fire burned this summer were told Monday to leave as mudslides threatened the region. In a message to residents, Riverside County officials said the safest time to leave was now.

Residents in the Hurkey Creek, Lake Hemet, Apple Canyon and Fleming Ranch were urged to leave immediately, officials said.

"Rain is anticipated in the Cranston Fire burn area," officials said in a message. "This is the safest time to leave, before any flows start. If you are receiving this message, you are at risk of debris flows."

Officials warned that "intense rain may cause debris flows, which are deadly, fast-moving landslides. There is also risk of flooding, mudflow, rock fall and other landslides during and immediately after rain."

The wildfire scorched the region in August, burning more than 13,000 acres and destroying 12 buildings and damaging five others. Hundreds of firefighters were called to battle the blaze.

Riverside County offered the following tips to residents:

1. Be prepared to leave before any flows begin, this is the only safe time to leave before roads are closed. If debris flows, mud, or water are already flowing, get higher than the flow, such as going to the highest floor in your home.
2. Follow all evacuation orders by public safety officials. Sign up for Alert RivCo evacuation alerts at RivCoReady.org/AlertRivCo.
3. Monitor official weather reports and heed weather alerts. Even if it’s not raining where you are, a debris flow that begins up in the hills could endanger you and your family. A brief downpour miles away can send trees and boulders crashing through your neighborhood like a freight train.
4. Evacuation Warnings (Voluntary) will be issued for at-risk areas 24 - 48 hours before an expected storm. The safest time to leave is during an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) before any flows begin. Mandatory Evacuation Orders will be issued six to 12 hours before the storm.
5. Know your local access roads and understand that some may be blocked by debris or water. Have an alternate route. Stay informed of road and highway conditions by visiting the Riverside County Transportation Department’s website at rctlma.org and Caltrans’ website at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
6. Learn about debris flows at RivCoReady.org/StormReady. Their dangers are different than the water and mud of typical storms.
7. Never drive or walk into flood waters, mud or debris, and never go around barricades. It is impossible to know how deep water or mud is just by looking at it and the depth can change quickly.
8. Protect your home with sandbags and other methods to divert water from entering and reduce erosion on your property. They do not protect from debris flows. Limited and unfilled quantities of sandbags and sand are available at select local fire stations. Visit RVCFire.org for a list.
9. Have an emergency plan and a disaster kit ready to go. Details on how to build an emergency kit are available at RivCoReady.org/Make-a-Kit.
10. If you have active flooding occurring inside your home or you feel you’re in imminent danger, dial 911.

A care and reception shelter is open at Idyllwild School at 26700 Highway 243.

Image from Cranston Fire via Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety