Bonny Fire: Blaze near Aguanga grows to 1,500 acres; crews battling surrounding spot fires
A brush fire that erupted on the edge of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation south of Aguanga expanded to 1,500 acres on Friday, as crews contended with a cluster of spot fires breaking out ahead of the main blaze.
The “Bonny Fire” was reported about 2:50 p.m. Thursday in the area of Bonny and Barber lanes, and as of 2 p.m. Friday, the brusher was estimated to be at, or slightly in excess of, 1,500 acres and 10% contained, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Officials said multiple spot fires were occurring ahead of the blaze, as the flames pushed toward the northeast.
One outbuilding and a vehicle were destroyed Friday afternoon, according to reports from the scene.
Other structures, including homes, were in the path of the flames, but they were not imminently threatened as of 2 p.m. Friday.
Four Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters were rotating in and out of the area, providing support to an estimated 150 personnel on the ground, comprised of county engine and hand crews, as well as firefighters from the Corona and Hemet fire departments, Murrieta Fire & Rescue and other agencies.
On Thursday evening, the head of the fire jumped a road amid light winds and moved into hills, creating challenges for ground personnel.
An evacuation order went into effect a short time later for the area south of Bailey Road, north of Running Springs Road, west of Chapman Road and east of Bonny. Evacuation warnings followed for the area south of Tulle Peak Road, north and east of the Cleveland National Forest boundary and west of Terwilliger Road.
The area is sparsely populated.
A care and reception center was established at Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road, in Anza. The county Department of Animal Services stationed personnel at the location to assist with displaced animals.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Bonny Fire grows to 1,500 acres as crews battle surrounding spot fires
