Springs Fire 45% Contained After Burning 4,100 Acres in Moreno Valley

Firefighters make progress overnight as evacuation orders remain in place

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:40pm

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Firefighters have reached 45% containment of the Springs Fire in Moreno Valley, Riverside County, as of Saturday, April 4, 2026. The brush fire, which broke out on the morning of Friday, April 3, 2026, rapidly expanded to burn over 4,100 acres. The blaze originated on Gilman Springs Road during a period of high winds, and containment stood at 25% late Friday before increasing to 45% by Saturday.

Why it matters

The Springs Fire is the latest in a series of wildfires that have impacted the Riverside County region in recent years, highlighting the ongoing threat of extreme weather conditions and the need for coordinated firefighting efforts to protect local communities.

The details

Suppression operations involved a coordinated effort between Cal Fire and several other regional agencies, including the Riverside city, Hemet, and Pechanga fire departments. Deployment included 23 engines and 105 firefighters, supported by two hand crews and two air tanks. Cal Fire issued evacuation orders for several neighborhoods within the region, and the City of Moreno Valley established evacuation sites at Valley View High School and local animal shelters.

  • The Springs Fire broke out on the morning of Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • Containment of the fire stood at 25% late Friday evening.
  • By Saturday, April 4, 2026, containment had increased to 45%.

The players

Cal Fire

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state's fire department and resource management agency.

Riverside City Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Riverside, California.

Hemet Fire Department

The fire department serving the city of Hemet, California.

Pechanga Fire Department

The fire department serving the Pechanga Indian Reservation in Riverside County, California.

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What’s next

Cal Fire stated that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to evacuation orders as needed.

The takeaway

The Springs Fire is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, particularly during periods of high winds and dry conditions. The coordinated response from multiple fire agencies highlights the importance of regional cooperation in effectively managing and containing these types of natural disasters.