Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters stopped the spread of a fire in the Banning area that had prompted the agency to warn residents that they should prepare to evacuate on Friday, July 12.
On Saturday morning, the fire remained at 49.59 acres and was 75% contained, Cal Fire announced.
The flames were halted around 2:40 p.m. on Friday, the agency said. The fire was 75% contained as of Saturday morning.
Containment represents the percentage of the burn area where crews have established lines, either man-made or natural, that they believe the flames will not jump.
The Bluff fire was reported at Bluff Street and Mias Canyon Road.
An evacuation warning had been issued at 1:30 p.m. That advisory meant residents should be prepared to leave. An evacuation order would have meant that leaving was mandatory.
The evacuation area was described as the Banning Bench as well as north of Sunnyslope Cemetery, west of Hathaway Canyon Road, east of Bluff Street and south of the San Bernardino National Forest boundary.
“The fire had minimal activity overnight, and firefighters made good progress in increasing containment around the burned area,” Cal Fire posted on X on Saturday morning. “Ground resources will remain on the scene today, working to contain the fire.”
VEGETATION FIRE – reported at a.m. – Bluff St X Mias Canyon Rd, in Banning.
Firefighters are on scene of a vegetation fire burning in light, flashy fuels with a rapid rate of spread. The fire is currently estimated at 5 acres. More information will be posted as it becomes… pic.twitter.com/OO9gFMZIZG
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 12, 2024