KTLA

Cranston Fire Burning in Idyllwild Area 29 Percent Contained

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Firefighters battling a 13,100-acre wildfire in Riverside County continued to make steady progress Saturday against the stubborn blaze, which has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents in and around Idyllwild.

The Cranston fire was 29% contained as of Saturday evening, with more than 13,100 acres burned. Authorities say it was started by an arsonist Wednesday morning.

Evacuations remained in place for 7,000 people, including residents and campers at Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Firefighters Saturday concentrated on the south ridge east of Idyllwild to keep the fire from spreading to Fern Valley, said Rebecca Miller, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Forest Service. She said the strong, upslope winds could affect suppression efforts, with timber, brush and chaparral acting as fuels.

Read the full story on LATimes.com.