Providing emergency communications within the communities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Poppet Flats, Mountain Center, Garner Valley and Pinyon Pines.
WNKI578 – 1610 AM RADIO
Tune to WNKI578 - 1610 AM Radio station for local road, weather, fire and any other local emergency conditions. WNKI is a volunteer radio broadcast service providing the greater Idyllwild area with current conditions for travel into and out of the mountain communities. Broadcasting Emergency instructions from the Idyllwild Fire Protection District unless California Departm
01/31/2026
Thank you CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department
🔥 Red Hill Prescribed Burn | Feb 2–27
Pile burning will be conducted west of Hwy 243 between Pine Cove and Idyllwild to reduce wildfire fuels and improve forest health.
Burning will not occur daily. Crews will evaluate conditions each day.
💨 Smoke may be visible.
📲 Burn updates will be posted.
09/20/2025
RIVCO: ‼️ Heads Up, SR-74 Commuters ‼️
Keen Camp Maintenance crews will perform drainage cleaning on EB/WB SR-74 from Bull Canyon Rd. to Pinyon Dr. For the safety of the traveling public and our crews, one way traffic control will be enforced Monday, September 22nd through Friday, September 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit: https://conta.cc/3Itxypr
09/06/2025
Great to see many of our RIVCO - EMD and RACES counterparts today! Demonstration of radio communications during an emergency situation in the Coachella Valley supporting “Emergency Preparedness Month!
07/03/2025
Congrats to Dan Bates our new Director of EMD. Dan is a solid proponent for this outdoor warning system including the expansion of the WNKI 578 TIS system.
Bringing an extensive background in the public safety field, and more than twenty years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Dan Bates has been named the new Director for the County’s Emergency Management Department (EMD), following the retirement of previous Director, Bruce Barton.
Dan Bates served as Deputy Director for EMD, overseeing the Emergency Services Division and the Riverside County EMS Agency (REMSA). Dan has been with the department since its establishment in 2015 and previously served as Administrator for REMSA. He holds an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences - Paramedic Care from Northern Arizona University and a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration from California Baptist University.
These Teams Rock!
10/30/2024
Your local Traveler Information Station is expanding. The Mile High Radio Club was instrumental in planning this system. Once completed there should be radio coverage across our mountain range! Please see the article below.
The Source Newsletter - Oct 2024 Radio Is the Default During Disasters; Storms Helene and Milton Underlined the Medium's Importance to Congress. Low Power: a Lifeline for Broadcasters; Powell Broadcasting Drops Power 99% During Flooding; Still Covers City of License. California County Adds More 10-Watt Emergency Radio Stations. ESP...
08/09/2024
Say hello to Idyllwild’s newest Ham Radio Operators! Cheers Team MHRC!
07/12/2024
Stay safe out on the trails. This article is a great read!
California State Parks has temporarily closed the popular Skyline Trail, also known as Cactus to Clouds, at Mount San Jacinto State Park due to dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region. Recent heat waves have led to multiple rescue operations for hikers suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration on the challenging trail. To protect the safety of both the public and first responders, the trail closed earlier this week and will continue to be closed until further notice.
Other trails in Mount San Jacinto SP remain open, but the public is advised to stay informed about weather conditions before planning any outdoor activities, and stay safe in the heat by following these simple steps:
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps keep your body cool.
• Use Sun Protection: Wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
• Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. If you experience these symptoms, seek shade and cool down immediately.
• Take Breaks: Rest often in shaded or air-conditioned areas to avoid overexertion.
• Stay Informed: Let someone know your itinerary due to possible limited cell service.
For the latest information on the trail’s closure and additional safety tips, please visit the park’s web page or follow us on Social Media.
Photo: Adobe Stock
Palm Springs Police Department, CA Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit