A fierce, wind-driven brush fire erupted on Monday south of Highway 371 in Aguanga, quickly spreading over 1,000 acres and damaging several structures. The “Nixon Fire,” as it has been named, was first reported at 12:28 p.m. near Richard Nixon Boulevard and Tule Peak Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
Over 200 firefighting personnel, including engine and hand crews from Riverside County, Cal Fire-San Diego County, and other agencies, were dispatched to the scene. They encountered flames advancing rapidly southeast through medium brush. By 1 p.m., seven Cal Fire air tankers and four water-dropping helicopters were making runs on the blaze, initially slowing its advance. However, the fire soon accelerated again.
Ground crews faced additional challenges as shifting winds in the hilly terrain complicated efforts to establish structure protection lines. The affected area consists of widely spaced properties, making containment more difficult. While several structures were reported damaged, it remains unclear whether these were only outbuildings or included homes.
Around 4 p.m., the fire spread into the 2,300-acre burn scar from last year’s Bonny Fire, which had burned for over a week in July and August. This previous burn area offered little fuel, causing the Nixon Fire to lose momentum on one flank. Nonetheless, the fire continued to accelerate toward Iron Spring Mountain, located on the boundary between Riverside and San Diego counties.
The wilderness area, under the supervision of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, saw an evacuation order issued for scattered homes south of Highway 371, north of the county line, west of Terwilliger Road, and east of Foolish Pleasure Road. An evacuation center was established at Temecula Valley High School, located at 31555 Rancho Vista Road. Multiple roads, mostly dirt and gravel, throughout the fire zone were closed by sheriff’s deputies.
As of now, there is no information on the cause of the blaze. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, aiming to prevent further damage and protect residents in the affected areas.