Pierce Street reopens as 72 Fire burns in Thermal, containment at 50%
A stretch of Pierce Street reopened Thursday after shutting down two days earlier because of a fire that continues to burn in Thermal.
The closure between Avenue 70 and Avenue 73 was lifted at 6:50 a.m. Thursday, according to the Riverside County Transportation Department.
Firefighters remain at the scene as they battle the 72 Fire, which was reported about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday near Avenue 72. Cal Fire reported Wednesday that the blaze had burned 43 acres and 50% of its perimeter was contained.
It began as a 5-acre fire burning through dense vegetation and trees in an old fish pond. It created smoke that was visible from several miles away.
01-16-2021
Image Credit: ABC News
Firefighters in the mountains of Southern California worked quickly to put out a wildfire that was fueled by strong winds and unseasonably warm weather.
The Bonita Fire broke out around 1:15 a.m. on Friday and burned 715 acres near Mountain Center, KNBC News in Los Angeles reports. Firefighters reported the fire was 20 percent contained.
#BonitaFIRE FINAL CAL FIRE UPDATE Friday, January 15, 2021 6:00 PM - ALL EVACUATION ORDERS and road closures are lifted. Fire is 715 acres and 20% contained. Transferring command to USFS for duration. PLEASE CALL 909-383-5688 for future info/updates. pic.twitter.com/5FsNMVcmbv CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) January 16, 2021
All evacuation orders lifted for 715-acre wildfire near Mountain Center
Bonita Fire update from 12:00 p.m. (1/15/21)
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 #KESQpic.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.