RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Crews are working tirelessly to contain a rapidly expanding wildfire in southern California which has already led to the evacuation of residents and the temporary closure of a community college.
The Springs Fire ignited around 11 a.m. on Friday and by evening, had spread to cover approximately 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers). The cause of the fire, located east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, is currently under investigation.
As hellish swathes of land have erupted into flames, hundreds of firefighters are on the scene employing helicopters and other firefighting resources to bring the blaze under control. By nightfall, some progress had been made, yet the fire remains a serious threat in a populated region.
The fire activity is concentrated in an unincorporated area near the city of Moreno Valley, which has a population nearing 200,000. Officials are still assessing the number of homes affected by evacuation orders or warnings.
“It’s windy out there,” stated Maggie Cline De La Rosa, a public information officer for California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Concerned reports have come from neighboring cities as well, with residents expressing worries over smoke affecting their air quality.
In response, Moreno Valley College has closed its main campus as a precaution due to the detrimental air quality resulting from the wildfire.
California U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz has stated he is monitoring the situation closely and urged any residents under evacuation orders to leave their homes promptly.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, warning of potential gusts up to 50 mph (80 kph). These winds pose a threat of downed tree limbs and power outages.
