Strong winds fuel Springs Fire with 4,000+ acres scorched, evacuations ordered as California blaze explodes

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Strong winds assist with explosion of Springs Fire, with evacuation orders in place

The Springs Fire in Riverside County, California has rapidly expanded to scorch over 4,000 acres of land. Strong winds are expected to last throughout the day, as crews work to try and contain the massive fire. Stick with FOX Weather for all the latest:

RIVERSIDE, Calif – A vegetation fire in Southern California has expanded to over 4,000 acres, with Evacuation Orders and Warnings announced for several zones.

Crews are working to contain the Springs Fire in Riverside County, California, which settles just a few miles between Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

MORENO VALLEY, CA - APRIL 03: Heavy smoke rises from the Springs Fire burning near a residential area on April 3, 2026 in Moreno Valley, California. A fast-moving brush fire east of Moreno Valley grew to about 3,500 acres on April 3, prompting evacuation orders and road closures.

(Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The fire broke out around 11am local time, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire).

As of 10pm ET, the fire had exploded to 4,176 acres, with only 25% contained.

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Evacuation Orders are in place across 8 zones in the Moreno Valley and Gilman Springs Road area in Riverside County, with Evacuation Warnings announced in 6 additional zones across the same region.

WHAT ARE SANTA ANA AND DIABLO WINDS?

Wind Alerts and dry conditions have assisted the Springs Fire with its massive expansion. Wind Advisories remain across the area until midday on Saturday as winds are forecast to gust upwards of 50mph and even higher across the elevated terrain.

CAL Fire/Riverside County Fire Department has implemented a Drift Smoke Advisory, saying "the fire is putting off lots of drift smoke that can be seen and smelt throughout the northeast (Riverside, Jurupa Valley, etc.) and southeast (Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, etc.) portion of Riverside County."

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According to CAL Fire, resources assisting with the containment include 36 fire engines, 7 hand crews, 2 water tenders, 2 helicopters and 2 dozers, which all account for about 260 personnel.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stick with FOX Weather as more details become available.