A brush fire ignited on the outskirts of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, south of Aguanga, has already engulfed 2,069 acres of land. As of Saturday, it was only 5% contained. To add to the challenges, spot fires have started breaking out ahead of the main blaze.
The initial report of the Bonny Fire came in at 2:50 p.m. on Thursday near Bonny and Barber lanes, as reported by the Riverside County Fire Department.
It is projected that full containment will not be achieved until August 4th.
In their update on Saturday morning, fire officials described the Bonny Fire as exhibiting moderate fire activity throughout the night. It is currently burning in rough and steep terrain. The escalating temperatures pose additional challenges for firefighting efforts, and there is a chance of thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, which increases the risk of unpredictable fire behavior.
Officials also reported that a firefighter sustained injuries while battling the blaze; however, no further details were provided.
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. On Friday afternoon, the order was expanded to include all territory north of the San Diego County line, south of Bailey Road, west of Anza-Borrego State Park, and east of Bonny.
A precautionary evacuation warning was issued on Saturday at noon for the area south of La Cima Road/Indian Paint Brush Road, west of Anza Borrego State Park, north of the San Diego County Line, and east of Spanish Spur Trail, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Evacuation warnings are still in place for the area south of Tulle Peak Road, north and east of the Cleveland National Forest boundary, and west of Terwilliger Road.
A care and reception center has been set up at Hamilton High School in Anza, where personnel from the county Department of Animal Services are stationed to assist with displaced animals.
“Firefighters will continue constructing containment lines around the perimeter,” said officials. “Simultaneously, they are implementing structure defense measures to protect the residents of Terwilliger Valley from the approaching fire.”
Shortly after the fire started on Thursday, it came perilously close to Chapman and Johnston roads. Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters swiftly arrived and unloaded near several homes to prevent damage, thanks to reports from the scene.
On Thursday evening, the fire advanced across a road in light winds and moved into hilly areas, presenting additional challenges for ground personnel.
On Friday afternoon, one outbuilding and a vehicle were destroyed by the fire.
Five air tankers from Cal Fire and three water-dropping helicopters have been rotating in and out of the area, providing support to approximately 150 to 200 ground personnel. The teams consist of engine and hand crews from Riverside County, as well as strike teams and firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, Hemet Fire Department, Murrieta Fire & Rescue, and other agencies. Hot shot crews from Kern County were also dispatched to the area.
The fire led 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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