RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A rapidly spreading wildfire, known as the Springs Fire, broke out in Riverside County on Friday, leading to substantial evacuations and the temporary closure of Moreno Valley College due to the deteriorating air quality.
The fire ignited around 11 a.m. and quickly expanded to about 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) by evening. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities currently assessing the impact on local communities.
Firefighting crews, comprising hundreds of personnel, utilized helicopters, fire engines, and water tenders to combat the blaze. By Friday night, authorities reported some progress in containing the fire.
The fire is located in an area east of Moreno Valley, a city with a population nearing 200,000, situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Riverside and roughly 64 miles (103 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.
As the fire spread, people from neighboring areas expressed their concerns about the smoke infiltrating their regions, prompting calls to local emergency services. “It’s 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.
The evacuation orders were backed by U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, who urged residents to heed the warnings on social media. “If you are under an evacuation order, please leave immediately,” he emphasized.
Moreno Valley College announced that all students, faculty, and staff had to evacuate the main campus due to the fire's impact on air quality. This closure would remain effective until the situation stabilizes.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the valleys in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, warning of gusts reaching up to 50 mph (80 kph) which could exacerbate fire containment efforts. “Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result,” the advisory cautioned.
