Springs

Springs Fire Report - April 04, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Springs Fire ignited around 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the 15000 block of Gilman Springs Road, east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County.
Size and Containment: As of Saturday morning, April 4, 2026, the fire has burned 4,176 acres and is between 25% and 45% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Igniting in highly flammable "light flashy fuels," the fire grew rapidly from 50 acres to over 4,100 acres by Friday evening. The rapid rate of spread was driven by powerful easterly Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching 50 to 70 mph, pushing the flames through the terrain.
Containment Efforts: Over 300 personnel are battling the blaze. Fire crews have deployed at least 36 fire engines, bulldozers, two water-dropping helicopters, and several air tankers. CAL FIRE and the Riverside County Fire Department are in Unified Command, with assistance from multiple local agencies including the Hemet, Pechanga, Morongo, Palm Springs, Idyllwild, and Corona Fire Departments. The difficult, rugged terrain remains the biggest hurdle for firefighters trying to access certain areas and establish containment lines.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuations are in place for a large area north of Ramona Expressway and east of Lake Perris, as well as for Moreno Valley residents south of John F. Kennedy Drive. Affected zones include MOE-0507, MOE-0641, MOE-0744, MOE-0745, MOE-0746, MOE-0747, MOE-0823, RVC-0748, RVC-0825, and RVC-0826.
Evacuation Warnings: Evacuation warnings are in effect for residents north of John F. Kennedy Drive and west of Sinclair Street and Redlands Boulevard. Zones include MOE-0504, MOE-0505, MOE-0506, MOE-0633, MOE-0636, MOE-0637, MOE-0638, MOE-0639, MOE-0640, MOE-0743, and MOE-0822.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation shelter has been established at Valley View High School, located at 13135 Nason St. in Moreno Valley. Animal shelters are available at the San Jacinto Animal Shelter (581 S. Grand Ave.) and Moreno Valley Animal Services (14041 Elsworth St.).

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Gilman Springs Road is closed from Alessandro Road to Bridge Street.
• Alessandro Road is closed at Redlands Boulevard.
• Ramona Expressway is closed at Davis Road.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Incident Page
• Riverside County Fire Department
• Riverside County Emergency Management Department

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: No injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time.
Structures Impacted: While no property damage or destroyed structures have been reported yet, the fire is threatening thousands of homes as it edges toward residential areas in Moreno Valley. Fire crews are actively positioned to protect structures in the fire's path.
School and Business Closures: No widespread school closures have been announced, though Valley View High School is currently being utilized as an evacuation center.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning portions of the Lake Perris State Recreation Area, impacting local recreational activities and park access.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There is a high risk of power outages in the area due to extreme winds blowing down tree limbs onto power lines.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Extreme fire danger conditions are present, and residents should avoid any activities that could spark a fire.
Air Quality: Stiff winds are spreading smoke across the region, prompting calls from concerned residents in neighboring cities. The smoke poses health risks, particularly for sensitive groups, and residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are making progress but face significant challenges due to the rugged terrain and persistent winds. Crews will continue to focus on increasing containment lines and protecting residential areas throughout the weekend, utilizing both ground forces and aerial water drops as conditions allow.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Wind Advisory and High Wind Warnings remain in effect for the Riverside County valleys through Saturday afternoon. Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 50 mph (and isolated gusts up to 70 mph) are expected to continue, creating extreme fire behavior and difficult conditions for aerial and ground crews.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Springs Fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being heavily influenced by a major spring heatwave and strong easterly Santa Ana winds blowing from the Banning Pass. These dry, windy conditions, combined with abundant, highly flammable "flashy fuels" (such as dry grasses and brush), allowed the fire to explode rapidly, marking Southern California's first major wildfire of the season.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Incident Page
• Riverside County Fire Department
• National Weather Service - San Diego