Moreno Valley fire alert: Crown Fire and Springs Fire trigger evacuations across Southern California - are you at risk?

Moreno Valley fire: Residents in parts of Southern California were forced to act quickly Friday as two fast-moving wildfires spread within hours, triggering emergency evacuations and raising concerns for nearby communities.

Moreno Valley Fire: Springs Fire Spreads Rapidly in Riverside County

The fires, which broke out in Riverside and Los Angeles counties, rapidly burned through more than 1,000 acres combined, with authorities warning of immediate danger in affected areas, as per a report. Evacuation orders were issued for communities around Moreno Valley and Acton as crews rushed to respond, as per a Newsweek report.

Fire Los Angeles: Springs Fire Burns Over 1,000 Acres Near Moreno Valley

The Springs Fire began around 11 a.m. near Eden Hot Springs in Riverside County. By 1 p.m., it had already burned 1,000 acres, prompting evacuation orders in the surrounding Moreno Valley area. The county, home to around 2.4 million residents, includes well-known destinations like Palm Springs, Coachella, and La Quinta, as well as much of Joshua Tree National Park.

Cal Fire: Crown Fire Erupts in Los Angeles County, Triggers Evacuations

Not long after, the Crown Fire ignited in Los Angeles County around midday. Within a short time, flames spread quickly through brush near North Crown Valley Road and Soledad Canyon Road in Acton, as per the Newsweek report.

The fire, driven by wind, grew rapidly, with thick smoke rising from a canyon area and aircraft dropping fire retardant to slow its advance. Authorities warned of an “immediate threat to life” and ordered evacuations, though it was not immediately clear how many people were affected in the sparsely populated area, as per the Newsweek report.

As of now, neither fire has been contained, and the causes remain under investigation.

California Wildfire Activity Compared to Previous Years

The fires come during a year that has already seen hundreds of wildfires across California. Through March, about 500 fires had burned around 2,000 acres statewide, as per a NBC Los Angeles report. By comparison, the same period last year saw 600 fires that scorched 59,170 acres, while the five-year average stands at 734 fires and 13,700 acres.