Residents Ordered To Evacuate As 4,176-Acre Brush Fire Rages In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Residents of a large swath of area, near Lake Perris, were ordered to evacuate their homes as a raging 4,176-acre brush fire continued to spread on Friday with 45 percent containment by Saturday morning, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

A Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson told the outlet that the flames of the blaze, which is known as the "Springs Fire," was first reported in the 15900 block of Gilman Springs Road at around 11 a.m., as the Santa Ana winds continued in the region.

The blaze was about 50 acres in size during its first hour, but then it spread to around 1,000 acres by 1 p.m., according to officials. By 6:45 p.m., it had reached 4,176acres.

As of Friday night 2,200 homes were in the mandatory evacuation zone and another 4,300 homes were in the evacuation warning zone, meaning residents should be ready to flee at a moment's notice.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to officials.

SEE ALSO: Riverside County Fire: Map Of Springs Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

The fire, which is east of Moreno Valley, is putting off lots of drift smoke that can be seen and smelled throughout the northeast in areas like Riverside, Jurupa Valley, and in the southeast areas of Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, officials said.

An evacuation shelter was opened at Valley View High School, located at 13135 Nason St., in Moreno Valley. Animals were being received at San Jacinto Animal Shelter, located at 581 S. Grand Ave., in San Jacinto.

At least three air tankers, two type 1 helicopters, about 40 engines and four water tenders were requested to assist in battling the blaze, according to the fire department.

Gilman Springs Road between Alessandro Road and Bridge Street was temporarily closed.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, and no injuries were immediately reported.

Another fire, dubbed the "Crown Fire," which was reported before 12:30 p.m. near Soledad Canyon and North Crown Valley roads in Acton in Los Angeles County, is estimated to be around 345 acres.

The fire is around 25 percent contained.

This is a breaking story. Check back later.

City News Service contributed to this report.