RIVERSIDE, Calif. (PulseWire) — Crews are engaged in an aggressive fight against a fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California, which has led to evacuation orders and the temporary closure of Moreno Valley College.
The Springs Fire ignited around 11 a.m. on Friday and surged to an estimated 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) by evening. The cause is currently under investigation, and the number of households under evacuation notices is still to be determined.
Striking a populated yet sparsely populated area east of Moreno Valley, the fire has drawn significant firefighting resources, including helicopters, engines, and water tenders. By Friday evening, crews had begun to effectively contain the fire.
“It’s windy out there,” remarked Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a representative of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the region.
Residents from surrounding municipalities have expressed concern about smoke infiltrating their neighborhoods, as winds continue to shift. Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson for Cal Fire Riverside County, confirmed the smoke's spread is impacting air quality for these areas.
In light of the escalating situation, Moreno Valley College announced the closure of its main campus, prioritizing community safety. Additionally, U.S. Representative for California Raul Ruiz urged residents under evacuation orders to leave without delay through his social media platforms.
The National Weather Service has taken precautions, issuing a wind advisory for both San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon, cautioning of potential wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph (80 kph), which may lead to fallen tree limbs and possible power outages.
