Crews making progress containing Southern California wildfire as some mandatory evacuations remain

The Springs Fire, a wildfire in Southern California's Riverside County, broke out Friday morning and grew to 4.45 square miles. By Saturday, the fire had expanded to roughly 6.3 square miles, but containment had increased to 45%, up from 25% the previous day. The fire, located about 64 miles east of Los Angeles, prompted mandatory evacuations. Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, while utility crews restored power lines in affected areas. Gusts of wind up to 45 mph were predicted for Saturday, potentially complicating containment efforts.

A fast-growing wildfire, named the Springs Fire, broke out in Southern California east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County on Friday, April 3, 2026, around 11 a.m. Fueled by windy conditions, the fire quickly expanded to 6.5 square miles, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for some residents. Fire crews, including those from the Pechanga Fire Department and Cal Fire, are battling the blaze with helicopters, engines, and water tenders. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. By Friday night, crews had begun to contain the fire, which is burning in a populated recreational area.

Two wildfires erupted in southern California on Friday, fueled by strong winds and marking the region's first major burns during a spring heatwave. The Springs fire in Riverside County rapidly expanded to over 4,100 acres, prompting evacuation orders near Lake Perris and Moreno Valley, with Valley View High School designated as an evacuation site. As of Friday evening, it was only 10% contained, with over 260 personnel battling the blaze. A smaller 260-acre Crown fire in Los Angeles County also triggered evacuations near Acton and was 25% contained by Friday afternoon. The cause of the Springs fire, which broke out at 11 a.m., is currently unknown.