Cranston Fire continues to spread; arson suspect arrested

Smoke from the Cranston Fire in the mountains east of Hemet is seen from a staging area. Photo courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

A fire raging in the mountains east of Hemet has spread to 7,500 acres and was only 5 percent contained at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, officials said. No civilian injuries were reported, but nearly 5,000 structures are threatened and 6,000 people have been evacuated.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers with Cal Fire arrested a Temecula man on suspicion of setting multiple fires in the area on Wednesday. Officials believe that Brandon N. McGlover, 32, set the Cranston Fire, which is burning on federal land in the San Jacinto Ranger District.

Based on a suspect description, McGlover was taken into custody in Hemet by members of the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Gang Task Force. He faces five counts of arson to wildland and is in custody at Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated and five residential structures have been destroyed. Evacuated areas include Apple Canyon Area, Cedar Glen, Camp Scherman Girl Scout Camp, Fern Valley, Hurkey Creek Area, Idyllwild, Lake Hemet Area, Mountain Center Community and Pine Cove.