RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Crews are battling a fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California that has prompted evacuation orders and forced the temporary closure of a community college.
The wildfire, dubbed the Springs Fire, began around 11 a.m. on Friday, and by evening it had consumed about 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Authorities have not disclosed how many residents are currently under evacuation orders or warnings. However, hundreds of firefighters, including ground crews and aerial support with helicopters and water tenders, have been deployed to combat the flames.
The fire is burning in a light population area near Moreno Valley, a city with approximately 200,000 residents, situated about 10 miles southeast of Riverside and 64 miles east of Los Angeles.
“It’s very windy out there,” said Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Riverside County.
In response to the fire and declining air quality, Moreno Valley College closed its main campus on Friday and Saturday, directing all students, faculty, and staff to evacuate. U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz has urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders promptly.
“If you are under an evacuation order, please leave immediately,” Ruiz stated via social media.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, forecasting gusts up to 50 mph (80 kph) through Saturday afternoon. These conditions could result in downed tree limbs and disrupted power lines.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as containment efforts progress.
