A brush fire that erupted on the edge of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation south of Aguanga has burned nearly 2,000 acres, and was just 5% contained Saturday as crews contended with a cluster of spot fires breaking out ahead of the main blaze.
The Bonny Fire was reported at 2:50 p.m. Thursday near Bonny and Barber lanes. It had consumed 1,938 acres as of 5 p.m. Friday, 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.
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.
Five Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters were rotating in and out of the area, providing support to an estimated 150 to 200 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.
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 also 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.
The area is sparsely populated.
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.
The fire prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a smoke advisory.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.