RIVERSIDE, Calif. (RTWNews) — Crews are battling a fast-growing wildfire in Riverside County that has led to evacuation orders and the temporary closing of a community college.
The Springs Fire ignited around 11 a.m. on Friday and rapidly expanded to cover about 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) by evening. The cause of the fire, located east of Moreno Valley, is currently under investigation, with the number of affected households still being determined.
As hundreds of firefighters deploy helicopters, ground engines, and water tenders, containment efforts have been initiated. The blaze is burning in a recreational area in a sparsely populated region near Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000 and lies 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Riverside.
“It’s windy out there,” stated Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, highlighting the challenges posed by strong winds.
Evacuations have been ordered for several neighborhoods, and Moreno Valley College shuttered its main campus due to deteriorating air quality. Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson for Cal Fire Riverside County, noted that the strong winds have been spreading smoke, causing concern among residents in surrounding areas.
California U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz urged those under evacuation orders to leave immediately, stressing the seriousness of the situation as the fire continues to threaten local communities.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the surrounding valleys through Saturday afternoon, forecasting gusts up to 50 mph (80 kph), which could lead to downed tree limbs and power outages.
