Springs Fire Forces Evacuations in Riverside County

Mandatory orders issued as blaze burns near Moreno Valley and Perris

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:06pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of grey, brown, and orange, with a distant wildfire casting an ominous glow across the scene and billowing smoke obscuring the horizon, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.A raging wildfire in the distance casts an ominous glow over the surrounding landscape, underscoring the raw power of nature and the urgent need for vigilance in the face of growing fire risks.Moreno Valley Today

A wildfire known as the Springs Fire is burning in Riverside County, California, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods north of Ramona Expressway and east of Lake Perris. Residents south of John F. Kennedy Drive in Moreno Valley have also been ordered to evacuate, while those north of JFK Drive and west of Sinclair Street and Redlands Boulevard are under an evacuation warning.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a major threat in California, especially during the state's dry and windy seasons. The Springs Fire has the potential to cause significant damage to homes and businesses if it continues to spread, making timely evacuations critical to protect public safety.

The details

The Springs Fire started burning on Friday afternoon near Moreno Valley and Perris in Riverside County. Fire officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for several specific zones, including MOE-0507, MOE-0747, MOE-0745, MOE-0641, MOE-0746, MOE-0744, RVC-0748, RVC-0826, and RVC-0825. An evacuation warning has also been issued for zones MOE-0504, MOE-0505, MOE-0506, MOE-0640, MOE-0639, MOE-0638, and MOE-0637. Gilman Springs Road from Alessandro Road to Bridge Street has been closed due to the fire.

  • The Springs Fire started burning on Friday afternoon, April 3, 2026.
  • Mandatory evacuation orders were issued on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Riverside County Fire Department

The local fire department responsible for responding to the Springs Fire and issuing evacuation orders.

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What’s next

Fire officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the fire's progression and any changes to evacuation orders. The evacuation shelter at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley remains open to assist displaced residents.

The takeaway

The Springs Fire is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, and the importance of heeding evacuation orders to protect public safety. As climate change continues to exacerbate fire risk, communities must remain vigilant and prepared to respond quickly to these types of emergencies.