Evacuations as two wildfires break out in southern California | California
A pair of wildfires broke out in Southern California on Friday, marking a turning point for the region. first significant burns during a spring with a major heat wave.
The fires, which started in windy weather, spread rapidly. The National Weather Service has issued a wind warning for parts of Southern California until noon Friday. Warning for winds of up to 50mph.
Cal Fire Riverside County spokesman Alex Izaguirre said the wind was “spreading the smoke,” prompting concerned calls from neighboring city residents who saw and smelled the smoke.
The Springs fire in Riverside County has reached 3,500 acres, prompting local officials to issue multiple evacuation orders. The fire was mostly concentrated north and east of Lake Perris and burned part of the surrounding state recreation area. According to CalFire.
As the fire moved toward Moreno Valley, a city of about 200,000, firefighters took action to protect structures in the fire’s path.
The cause of the Springs fire, which broke out around 11:00 a.m., is not yet known.
2 helicopters, 36 fire trucks and approximately 260 personnel were assigned to fight the fire.
By Friday evening, 5% of the fire was under control.
A second, smaller fire also broke out in Los Angeles County. 260-acre Crown fire 25% contained Until Friday afternoon. The fire also prompted multiple evacuation orders in and around the unincorporated community of Acton.
Associated Press contributed reporting
