Southern California Wildfire Mostly Contained as Evacuation Orders Lifted

Crews make progress battling the blaze that prompted evacuations in Riverside County.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:56pm

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A smoky wildfire that broke out in Southern California on Friday has been mostly contained, with fire officials lifting evacuation orders for a large swath of neighborhoods on Saturday. The Springs Fire, which has burned around 6.3 square miles in Riverside County, is now 75% contained after being just 25% contained the previous day.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a major threat in Southern California, especially during the region's dry and windy conditions. This particular fire prompted evacuations and raised concerns about potential damage to homes and businesses, making the containment efforts an important development for the local community.

The details

The Springs Fire was fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts predicted to reach up to 45 mph on Saturday. However, the winds have since dissipated, helping firefighters make progress in building containment lines and laying hose around the fire's perimeter. No structures have been damaged or destroyed so far, and about 260 personnel are battling the blaze.

  • The fire broke out on Friday morning.
  • On Saturday afternoon, the fire was 75% contained, up from 25% the previous day.
  • Evacuation orders were lifted for a large swath of neighborhoods on Saturday morning, with the remaining orders expected to be lifted by the end of the day.

The players

Riverside County Fire Department

The local fire department responsible for responding to and containing the Springs Fire.

Terra Fernandez

A public safety information specialist for the Riverside County Fire Department who provided updates on the fire's status and containment efforts.

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What they’re saying

“It's pretty much under control.”

— Terra Fernandez, Public Safety Information Specialist, Riverside County Fire Department

What’s next

Fire officials will continue monitoring the situation and working to fully contain the wildfire, with the goal of lifting the remaining evacuation orders by the end of the day.

The takeaway

The successful containment of the Springs Fire demonstrates the effectiveness of the coordinated efforts by firefighters and local authorities to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires in Southern California, a region prone to such natural disasters.