Bonsall fire contained to seven acres

A brush fire that erupted shortly around 4:30 p.m. today (Friday, Sept. 7) on Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, was contained within the hour to only seven acres due to quick, aggressive response on the part of North County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire.

John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire said the blaze was located just south of the San Luis Rey River. The entrance to the ranch is located off West Lilac Road.

Due to wind direction, Buchanan said the fire, a mere one-half mile from Rancho Monserate Country Club and mobile home estates community, placed the residents at significant risk.

"This could have become a huge tragedy if this fire wasn't stopped before it reached the mobile home park," Buchanan said. "When mobile homes catch fire, they burn and they burn hot. It could have been devastating; we could have lost all of them if that had happened."

Buchanan credited outstanding team work between the two agencies as the reason the situation was resolved quickly, and said three aircraft, numerous engines and two hand crews battled the blaze.

"There was no need to evacuate any people or horses during the course of this incident," he added.

Buchanan said that while the fire has been satisfactorily contained, 100% containment would likely be achieved by 10 p.m. tonight, with fire watch likely for many hours aferward.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.