Evacuations ordered as blaze spreads rapidly, fueled by strong winds
Category: U.S. News
Firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading vegetation fire in Riverside County, known as the Springs Fire, which has consumed approximately 3,500 acres as of Friday afternoon. The fire, reported around 11 a.m. on April 3, 2026, on the 15900 block of Gilman Springs Road, east of Moreno Valley, has prompted evacuation orders for hundreds of homes and businesses in the area.
According to Cal Fire, the blaze initially scorched about 50 acres by 11:30 a.m. and quickly escalated to 1,500 acres by 1:45 p.m. By 4 p.m., the fire was reported to be only 5% contained, with strong winds contributing to its rapid growth. Wind gusts in the area reached up to 40 mph, as reported by the National Weather Service, making firefighting efforts particularly challenging.
As the fire advanced, evacuation orders were issued for several zones, including areas west of Lake Perris Fairgrounds, east of Mount Eden, north of Ramona Expressway, and south of the 60 Freeway. Zones containing the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Moreno Valley College, and the San Jacinto/Lake Perris Core Reserve were also included in the evacuation directives. Evacuation warnings were issued for additional areas, including those between Nason Street and Moreno Beach Drive, as well as for the Kaiser Permanente Moreno Valley Medical Center.
Gilman Springs Road was closed early in the day from Bridge Street to Alessandro Road, and several other roads were also shut down to facilitate firefighting efforts and protect residents. Road closures included Gilman Springs Road at Alessandro Road, Alessandro Road at Redlands Boulevard, Bridge Road at Gilman Springs Road, and Ramona Expressway at Davis Road.
As the fire threatened structures in the De La Valle Drive and Via Del Lago area, additional resources were requested to combat the flames. Flames were visible on a hill behind Rancho Verde High School, located at 17750 Lasselle St. in Moreno Valley, raising concerns for nearby residents.
An evacuation shelter was established at Valley View High School at 13135 Nason St., where residents like Deborah Tatum, 71, sought refuge. Tatum, who evacuated with her family, described the smoke around her home as thick and heavy. She expressed uncertainty about when they would be able to return, stating, "I keep checking my phone for updates." Tatum remained calm during the ordeal, saying, "When things get rough and tough, I get calm and try to stay level."
Healthcare consultant Gatwiri Mwiti, who also evacuated from her home near Lake Perris, emphasized the need for individuals with physical disabilities to prepare for emergencies. Mwiti, who lives with Syringomyelia and Stiff-Person Syndrome, has been advocating for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. She advised, "Always be prepared. Have emergency awareness information, like a playbook on what you need to do. Don’t focus on the non-essentials." Mwiti recommended that individuals pack medications, assistive devices, and service animals' needs ahead of time to facilitate a swift evacuation.
As firefighters continued to battle the blaze, about 23 engines, two helicopters, and other resources were deployed to the scene. The firefighting teams faced the challenge of combating "light flashy fuels," which can ignite quickly and spread flames rapidly. The response included both ground and air crews, with air tankers dropping retardant to create fire lines.
Air quality was a growing concern, prompting Moreno Valley College to announce the closure of its campus due to the fire's impact on air quality. The college urged students, faculty, and staff to leave the campus immediately and follow police directions. Meanwhile, residents in Orange County reported smoke odors, prompting the Orange County Fire Authority to clarify that the fire posed no threat to their area.
As of Friday afternoon, the weather conditions in Moreno Valley were warm, with temperatures around 75 degrees. Meteorologists noted that wind gusts were expected to decrease throughout the evening, potentially aiding firefighting efforts. The cause of the Springs Fire remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine how the blaze ignited.
This situation continues to develop, and officials are urging residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders. The community is coming together to support those affected, with resources available for both human and animal evacuations. As the fire rages on, firefighters remain committed to protecting lives and property in the region.
As the evening progresses, updates on the fire's containment and any changes to evacuation orders are anticipated. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news and official channels for the latest information on the Springs Fire.