RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Crews were making progress Saturday battling a fast-growing and smoky wildfire in southern California that broke out Friday morning, prompting mandatory evacuations and warnings.
The blaze, known as the Springs Fire, now encompasses approximately 6.3 square miles (about 16 square kilometers) east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County. As of Saturday, it was reported to be 45% contained, a notable increase from 25% the previous day.
In response to the fire's rapid spread, more than a dozen areas within the county remain under mandatory evacuation orders. Meanwhile, six evacuation zones have been lifted, though the total number of households affected has not been disclosed.
Firefighters continue to face challenges from strong winds, with the National Weather Service issuing an advisory for wind conditions ranging from 15 mph to 20 mph, and gusts potentially reaching up to 45 mph. Additionally, an air quality alert is in place due to harmful fine particle pollution levels linked to the wildfire smoke.
Hundreds of firefighters, utilizing helicopters, engines, and water tenders, are actively combating the blaze situated in a populated unincorporated area of Riverside County, near Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000. This city lies about 10 miles southeast of Riverside and 64 miles east of Los Angeles.
The blaze, known as the Springs Fire, now encompasses approximately 6.3 square miles (about 16 square kilometers) east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County. As of Saturday, it was reported to be 45% contained, a notable increase from 25% the previous day.
In response to the fire's rapid spread, more than a dozen areas within the county remain under mandatory evacuation orders. Meanwhile, six evacuation zones have been lifted, though the total number of households affected has not been disclosed.
Firefighters continue to face challenges from strong winds, with the National Weather Service issuing an advisory for wind conditions ranging from 15 mph to 20 mph, and gusts potentially reaching up to 45 mph. Additionally, an air quality alert is in place due to harmful fine particle pollution levels linked to the wildfire smoke.
Hundreds of firefighters, utilizing helicopters, engines, and water tenders, are actively combating the blaze situated in a populated unincorporated area of Riverside County, near Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000. This city lies about 10 miles southeast of Riverside and 64 miles east of Los Angeles.
