201807.29
0

Cranston fire size changes little overnight; containment still 29%

by in News

The Cranston fire in the San Jacinto Mountains stood at 13,130 acres burned and 29 percent containment Sunday, firefighters reported.

The acreage increased by only 12 acres from Saturday night, and the containment percentage was the same.

Containment is the percentage of the perimeter that firefighters have determined the fire will no longer spread beyond.

Officials lifted an evacuation order for Garner Valley south of Morris Ranch Road on Saturday night. Residents, with proof of residency, could return to their homes from Highway 74 at Highway 371, officials said.

Sign up for our breaking news email newsletter: When major local news happens, you will be the first to know. Subscribe here.

Riverside County health officials warned returning residents not to eat any perishable food that had been left behind during the evacuation and to carefully inspect other food items for smoke contamination.They also issued an order prohibiting the unsafe removal, transport and disposal of fire debris.

All other evacuations remained in effect Sunday, July 29:

Apple CanyonCedar GlenCamp Scherman Girl Scout CampFern ValleyHurkey CreekIdyllwildMountain CenterMt. San Jacinto State ParkPine Cove

The U.S. Forest Service has closed lands within the San Jacinto Ranger District and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains national monuments through Aug. 31, depending on conditions. The order prohibits going on National Forest lands, trails and roads. It does not include private lands, including communities and Indian reservations.

More than 7,000 people have been evacuated and almost 5,000 structures remain threatened. More than 1,700 people were fighting the fire, which authorities believe was touched off by an arsonist. Temecula resident Brandon N. McGlover, 32, is accused of the crime and has pleaded not guilty.

Five homes were reported destroyed on the Cranston fire’s first day.

Temperatures in the area for Sunday were forecast for a high of 82, with cloudy skies.