Firefighters continued their efforts to gain the upper hand on the Bonny fire that has been burning for several days near the Cahuilla Indian Reservation in Riverside County.
Firefighters boosted the lines of cleared vegetation around the 2,305-acre brush fire that erupted south of Aguanga, increasing that containment to 20% as of Monday morning, July 31. By Monday evening, containment had improved to 30%.
For related news, see: This map shows where the Bonny Fire is burning near near Aguanga
“Extremely steep and rugged terrain remains a challenge,” the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said in a statement. “Current weather patterns and a chance of thunderstorms through Tuesday could increase the risk of erratic fire behavior. Firefighters will work to keep fire spread minimal throughout the day, cooling hot spots and constructing (a) containment line around the fire perimeter.”
The Bonny fire was reported at 2:50 p.m. Thursday near Bonny and Barber lanes. Full containment wasn’t expected until Aug. 7.
The force battling the flames included 2,066 firefighters from Riverside and cooperating agencies, officials said. Seven helicopters and “numerous” air tankers were working overhead.
The fire has destroyed one outbuilding.
Evacuation warnings and orders were adjusted Monday afternoon, Cal Fire/Riverside said.
Evacuation order areas remaining were North of the San Diego County line, East of Bonny Lane, South of Ramsey Road and West of Chapman Road.
Evacuation warnings were in place for North of the San Diego County Line and Ramsey Road, East of Spanish Spur Trail, South of La Cima Road/Indian Paint Brush Road and West of Anza Borrego State Park.
A care and reception center was established at Hamilton High School in Anza. The county Department of Animal Services stationed personnel there to assist with displaced animals, which were being housed at the San Jacinto Animal Campus, at 581 South Grand Ave.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
This map shows where the Bonny Fire is burning near near Aguanga
Chino Valley Fire Brush Engine 62 and a battalion chief have been assigned to the Bonny Fire in Riverside County since Thursday night as part of a strike team assignment. We’re proud to serve alongside our partner agencies. pic.twitter.com/Ao9QEQWIzd
— Chino Valley Fire (@cvifd) July 30, 2023
