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Health & Fitness

Fire closes Pacific Crest Trail & forces evacuations

A fire blazing to the north of us threatens many homes, ranches and brings back memories of rushing to help friends and neighbors evacuate with horses, goats, dogs , chickens and every other critter those of us in rural areas tend to keep. A Facebook page has been created to keep updates on the fire posted and current as well as to provide and avenue for those that may need help. San Jacinto Mountains may seem a world away but really it is only about an hour and a half drive, less if you are fleeing for your life. 

In neighboring county of Riverside the fire has reached 14,500 acres and is showing no signs of slowing. Ripping through areas surrounding  Idyllwild, heavy smoke had spread into the Coachella Valley, Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon by Tuesday. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for much of the area. Six homes have been destroyed and the high temperatures along with heavy brush create fire conditions that many of us are all too familiar with. 

Garner Valley, a very popular area for camping and equestrian recreation is now threatened and the historic Garner Ranch has huge flames rushing toward it according to reports by friends in the area. The Pacific Crest Trail is very popular in the area and much of it has been closed due to the blaze. The Pacific Crest Trail was closed from State Highway 74 to Saddle Junction, as were the South Ridge Trail, Carumba Trail, Spitler Peak Trail, Fobes Trail, and Cedar Springs.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 As we all know things change by the minute and help is being requested now and standby assistance is being created in order to help those that must evacuate. If you are interested in helping and knowing what’s up here is the Facebook link to keep you updated.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brush-Fire-Partyline-Riverside-and-San-Bernardino-Countys/122888974471461 

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some of this information may have already changed as the fire is moving fast. Air tankers and ground crews are working hard to contain the blaze.

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