4,700-acre Mountain fire near Idyllwild forces evacuations
A fast-moving, 4,700-acre fire in Riverside County forced the evacuation of two dozen homes and drew hundreds of firefighters to battle the flames, officials said Tuesday.
The Mountain fire started Monday afternoon off highways 243 and 74 near Idyllwild and quadrupled in size overnight to 4,700 acres. It was 10% contained, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for 24 homes in the Bonita Vista and Fleming Ranch communities. Evacuation centers for residents and pets were set up at local schools and animal shelters.
About 424 firefighters and 24 aerial vehicles were attacking the blaze, which has damaged an unknown number of buildings. The cause was under investigation.
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