Damage from a brush fire burning near Mountain Center remained at 715 acres Saturday as firefighters increased containment to 30%.
U.S. Forest Service officials, however, said they were concerned about hot, dry, windy weather causing it to spread again through Tuesday.
The non-injury “Bonita Fire” was first reported about 1:15 a.m. Friday in the 28000 block of Bonita Vista Road, a mile east of the junction for Highways 74 and 243, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Easterly winds pushed the flames southwest, threatening the lightly populated community of Mountain Center, and evacuation orders were issued for all residents.
The orders had been rescinded by 6 p.m. Friday.
The California Highway Patrol had closed Highway 74 between Lake Hemet and the 74/243 interchange, as well as the 243 between Saunders Meadow Road and the interchange. At 12:30 p.m. Friday, the 243 was completely reopened, and the 74 partially reopened.
Two water-dropping helicopters had been assigned to make runs on the fire.
More than 200 firefighters were on the fire lines, and the USFS took command of operations late Friday.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.