Bonny Fire Near Aguanga at 2,305 Acres, 40% Containment

AGUANGA (CNS) – Firefighters are getting a better handle on the Bonny Fire Tuesday with containment in and around the Cahuilla Indian Reservation southeast of Aguanga growing to 40%. The fire was reported about 2:50 p.m. Thursday in the area of Bonny and Barber lanes and has burned 2,305 acres, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Crews were continuing to contend with spot fires ahead of the blaze, but winds were calm Monday morning, enabling firefighters to expand tentative containment lines. And Tuesday morning, officials reported that the fire "stayed within the same perimeter, with no fire spread." "Today (Tuesday), firefighters will continue strengthening (the) containment line around the fire and cooling areas along the fire perimeter," fire officials said. "Steep and rugged terrain remains a challenge, and the chance of thunderstorms throughout the day increases the risk of erratic fire behavior." Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, the fire nearly swept across Chapman and Johnston roads, prompting Cal Fire air tankers and water-dropping helicopters to unload in the immediate vicinity of several homes, protecting them from damage, according to reports from the scene. One outbuilding and a vehicle were destroyed Friday afternoon. One firefighter was injured over the weekend, though not seriously. Cal Fire tankers and choppers have been rotating in and out of the area, providing support to an estimated 2,000 personnel on the ground, including county engine and hand crews, as well as strike teams and other 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. An evacuation order went into effect Thursday for the area south of Bailey Road, north of Running Springs Road, west of Chapman and east of Bonny Lane. The order was expanded Friday afternoon 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 Lane. An evacuation warning remained in place for the area north of the county line, south of La Cima Road, west of Anza-Borrego and east Spanish Spur Trail. The area is sparsely populated. A care and reception center is available at Hamilton High School in Anza. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Copyright 2023, City News Service, Inc.