Bonny Fire: Blaze holds at 2,206 acres; containment now 10%; thunderstorm threat continues
A brush fire that erupted on the edge of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation south of Aguanga has burned 2,206 acres, and containment rose to 10% Sunday evening, as crews contended with a a change in weather patterns and continued chance of thunderstorms today and Monday that heightens the risk of erratic fire behavior.Firefighters on Sunday continued constructing handline around the fire perimeter, with no significant fire growth throughout the day. Extremely steep and rugged terrain and areas with limited fire history have been a challenge. Widely scattered thunderstorms with gusty and erratic winds through the night threatened to increase fire activity. Thunderstorms are predicted to last through Tuesday.
The Bonny Fire was reported at 2:50 p.m. Thursday near Bonny and Barber lanes. It had consumed 2,069 acres as of 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain.
The area is sparsely populated, but firefighters will continue constructing containment lines around the perimeter while also providing structure defense measures to safeguard the residents of Terwilliger Valley from the approaching fire
Shortly after it started Thursday, 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.
On Thursday evening, the head of the fire jumped a road amid light winds and moved into hills, creating challenges for ground personnel.
One outbuilding and a vehicle were destroyed Friday afternoon.
Several air tankers from across the state and five water-dropping helicopters were rotating in and out of the area, providing support to a total of more than 1,000 personnel on the ground, comprised of 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, officials said.
Full containment is estimated at Aug. 7.
Evacuation orders in effect
An evacuation order went into effect Thursday for the area south of Bailey Road, north of Running Springs Road, west of Chapman Road 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.
Evacuation warnings in effect
An evacuation warning was issued at noon Saturday to include the area of 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 remained in place for the area south of Tulle Peak Road, north and east of the Cleveland National Forest boundary and west of Terwilliger Road.
Road closures
Several roads are closed, including:
Old Mitchell Camp Road between Chihuahua Valley Rd and Cooper Cienega Truck Trail
Chihuahua Valley Road between Old Mitchell Camp Road and Highway 79
Where to get help for humans, large animals
A care and reception center was established at Hamilton High School in Anza. The county Department of Animal Services stationed personnel at the location to assist with displaced animals. If you need assistance with animal evacuations, call (951) 358-7387.
The fire prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a smoke advisory. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Excessive heat warning in Riverside County
An excessive heat warning will be in effect through Saturday night in the Inland Empire and Riverside County’s mountains and valleys, with temperatures ranging from 100 to 107, the National Weather Service said.
Advisories are also in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday for the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning with high temperatures of 113 to 117 expected.
There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms for the Riverside County mountains Saturday, according to the weather service.
Forecasters warn that extreme heat can increase the potential for heat- related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
More: Coachella Valley sees its first rain in months. Find out how much and if more is on the way
Kate Franco of The Desert Sun and City News Service contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Bonny Fire: Blaze holds at 2,206 acres; containment 10%; storm threat continues
