The fire in the Springs Fire in California: 16 square meters were destroyed in a day. km, evacuation near Moreno Valley, closure of the college

The fast-growing Springs Fire started Friday in Riverside County, southern California. Within a few hours, the fire covered about 16.8 square kilometers near Moreno Valley, home to 200,000 people. The evacuation of some residents was organized, and the local college was closed due to heavy smoke. Hundreds of rescuers are still trying to control the situation.

The fire started around 11 a.m. in a recreation area in eastern Moreno Valley, located about 100 km east of Los Angeles. By evening, the fire’s size had grown to 6.5 square miles, which is roughly 17 square kilometers. The cause of the fire is still being determined.

The main problem was strong windy weather. The U.S. Weather Service has issued a warning for wind gusts of up to 80 km/h for San Bernardino and Riverside counties until noon Saturday. Firefighter spokesman Alex Isagirre noted that the wind is spreading the smoke, in particular, to neighboring towns.

Hundreds of rescuers, helicopters and fire engines using water tankers are involved in fighting the fire. On the eve of the evening, rescuers began to localize the center of the fire.

Due to deteriorating air quality, Moreno Valley College closed its main campus Friday and Saturday, urging students, faculty and staff to evacuate.

Congressman Raul Ruiz urged residents of evacuation zones to leave their homes urgently. Currently, the number of households under evacuation warnings is being clarified.