CA, US & World
Wind-Driven Springs Fire Explodes Near Moreno Valley as Crown Fire Sparks Evacuations in L.A. County
A fast-moving brush fire fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds rapidly exploded near Moreno Valley on Friday, forcing widespread evacuations and marking one of the first major wildfires in Southern California following months of heavy rain and recent heat.
The Springs Fire, first reported just before 11 a.m. in the 15900 block of Gilman Springs Road, quickly grew from about 50 acres to more than 1,500 acres within a few hours. Fire officials say the blaze remains 0% contained and is being driven by strong winds and dry, “flashy” vegetation.
Flames spread rapidly across hillsides, jumping Davis Road and extending toward areas near Harris Lake. Fire crews on the ground, supported by helicopters, air tankers, bulldozers, and more than 20 engines, are working to slow the fire’s advance. Aerial footage showed crews aggressively attacking the fire as it pushed through rugged terrain.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for large areas east of Lake Perris and parts of Moreno Valley, including neighborhoods near Championship Road, Villa del Lago, Cactus Avenue, and surrounding streets. Additional evacuation warnings remain in place for nearby communities. Authorities have also closed Gilman Springs Road between Alessandro Road and Bridge Street as crews battle the flames.
At the same time, a second wildfire—the Crown Fire—broke out in Los Angeles County near Acton. That fire burned roughly 280 acres and also prompted mandatory evacuations, with officials urging residents to leave immediately as flames moved toward structures.
The fires come as much of Southern California faces strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in Riverside County valleys. Officials warn these conditions could continue to drive dangerous fire behavior through the weekend.
Firefighters remain focused on protecting homes and containing both blazes as evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 3, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Help us choose the next NBC Palm Springs Fan of the Week! Vote for Video 1, 2, 3 or 4. The fan with the most votes will win a pair of tickets to next week’s Coachella Valley Firebirds game! Voting ends Thursday. Who’s your pick?
Spirit Halloween has revealed its top Halloween costume trends for 2026, and pop culture is driving the picks. Off Campus, Toy Story, K-pop Demon Hunters, superheroes, Greek gods and warriors — and plenty of Dolly Partons — are expected to be popular. What are you dressing up as this Halloween? #Halloween2026 #SpiritHalloween #HalloweenCostumes #nbcpalmsprings
After a car drove through a walkway, damaging Bill’s Pizza, the restaurant appears to have begun repairs and is still open the following day. The neighboring store, Gallivant was also damaged and is closed until Monday. The store has a gofundme page opened for them by a neighboring bookstore to support the cost of the damages. NBC Palm Springs is following the effects of this accident and what this means to the Palm Springs community. #billspizza #palmsprings #continuingcoverage #localnews #coachellavalley
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are using bioengineered baker's yeast to break down plastic into ingredients for cookies.
Camden, Arkansas, is the unlikely hub of US missile manufacturing after years of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have drained the country's arsenal. But the Trump administration's push to scale up defense production is colliding with the limits of the small, rural town.