News

All evacuation orders lifted for 715-acre wildfire near Mountain Center

Bonita Fire update from 12:00 p.m. (1/15/21)

January 15, 2021 12:51 PM

Published January 15, 2021 5:45 AM

Firefighters are working to contain a fast-growing wildfire burning in the mountains above the Coachella Valley Friday morning. Some evacuation orders have been lifted.

All Evacuation Orders were lifted for all areas affected by the fire.

#BONITAFIRE: Evacuation orders have been lifted for residents west of Hwy 74 and Hwy 243. @CALFIRERRU says fire is holding at 600 acres near Mountain Center #KESQ pic.twitter.com/8f9agFWQKH
— Shelby Nelson (@KESQShelby) January 15, 2021

The Bonita Fire broke out just east of Mountain Center Thursday night. The blaze grew quickly but has held at 600 acres since 5:45 a.m. According to Cal Fire, the fire was at 5% containment.

As of 6:10 p.m., the fire had grown to 715 acres. Containment also increased to 20%.

Fire crews were initially called to the 28000 block of Bonita Vista Road at 1:00 a.m. Friday. The first arriving engine company reported 15 acres of heavy vegetation and pine trees on fire.

Approximately 200 personnel were working the fire lines as flames engulfed dry pine trees and brush.

An Evacuation Center has been established at the Banning Community center at 789 N. San Gorgonio Avenue in Banning.

Cal Fire announced at 12:30 p.m. that all road closures were lifted with the exception of Highway 74 from Mountain Center to Lake Hemet. This area will be reduced to one lane with law enforcement escorts.

There were no immediate details on the fire's cause or containment.

The Red Flag warnings have been in effect, as the News Channel 3 First Alert Weather Team has been reporting. The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 4 PM today.