Fast-growing wildfire in Southern California triggers evacuations

Fast-growing wildfire near Moreno Valley, California prompts evacuations and wind advisories as flames threaten the area.

A fast-growing wildfire in windy Southern California prompted multiple evacuation orders and warnings on Friday (April 4, 2026).

The Springs Fire broke out at around 11 a.m., and by 2.30 p.m. on Friday (April 4), the area had grown to 2.34 sq km. The cause of the fire east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County is under investigation. It was not immediately known how many households are under evacuation warnings or orders.

“It's windy out there,” said Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for Cal Fire Riverside.

A Cal Fire map showed the fire burning in a recreational area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population of roughly 200,000. The city is 103 km east of Los Angeles.

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon, with gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph) expected.

“Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the advisory read.