A massive brush fire has erupted on the outskirts of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, just south of Aguanga. The fire has already consumed 2,069 acres and is only 5% contained as of Saturday. Firefighters are faced with a series of spot fires emerging ahead of the main blaze, making containment a challenging task.
The Bonny Fire was first reported on Thursday at around 2:50 p.m. near the intersection of Bonny and Barber lanes, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. It is anticipated that full containment will not occur until August 4.
“The Bonny Fire exhibited moderate fire activity overnight and continues to burn in extremely rugged and steep terrain,” stated fire officials in their Saturday morning update. “Today, the rising temperatures present additional challenges for firefighting efforts. Furthermore, there is a chance of thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, increasing the risk of unpredictable fire behavior.”
Officials also reported that a firefighter sustained injuries while combating the fire, but no further details were provided.
“Firefighters will persist in constructing containment lines around the perimeter,” the statement continued. “At the same time, they are implementing structure defense measures to protect the residents of Terwilliger Valley from the approaching fire.”
Shortly after its ignition on Thursday, the fire came dangerously close to sweeping across Chapman and Johnston roads. However, swift action from Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters prevented damage to several homes in the immediate vicinity.
In the evening of the same day, the fire progressed beyond a road due to light winds and advanced into hilly terrain, posing additional challenges for ground crews.
Unfortunately, one outbuilding and a vehicle were destroyed on Friday afternoon.
To support the ground personnel, five Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters are rotating in and out of the area. Approximately 150 to 200 personnel from Riverside County fire departments, including engine and hand crews, as well as strike teams and firefighters from Corona Fire Department, Hemet Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, and other agencies, are on the ground. In addition, hot shot crews from Kern County have been dispatched to the area.
An evacuation order was issued on Thursday for the area south of Bailey Road, north of Running Springs Road, west of Chapman Road, and east of Bonny Lane. This order was expanded on Friday afternoon to encompass all territory north of the San Diego County line, south of Bailey Road, west of Anza-Borrego State Park, and east of Bonny.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for the area south of Tulle Peak Road, north and east of the Cleveland National Forest boundary, and west of Terwilliger Road.
The affected area has a low population density.
A care and reception center has been set up at Hamilton High School in Anza to assist displaced individuals. The county Department of Animal Services is also present at the center to provide support for displaced animals.
The fire has prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a smoke advisory.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
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