Multiple brush fires ignited across Southern California on Friday and Monday, driven by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions.
The incidents included the Springs Fire in Riverside County, the Crown Fire in Los Angeles County, and the Sandy Fire in Ventura County. Evacuation orders, road closures, and significant firefighting resources were deployed in response.
Springs Fire (Riverside County)
Location and Timeline
- The Springs Fire was first reported at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday in the 15900 block of Gilman Springs Road, east of Moreno Valley and near Lake Perris.
- The fire was reported by Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
- By 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the fire had grown to 2.34 square miles (6.06 square kilometers). It later expanded to 3,500 acres.
- As of 4 p.m. on Friday, containment was reported at 5%.
Evacuations and Closures
- Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for zones MOE-0507, RVC-0748, and RVC-0826.
- An evacuation order was issued for a large area north of Ramona Expressway and east of Lake Perris, as well as for Moreno Valley residents south of John F. Kennedy Drive.
- An evacuation warning was issued for residents north of John F. Kennedy Drive and west of Sinclair Street and Redlands Boulevard.
- Gilman Springs Road was closed from Alessandro Road to Bridge Street.
- Moreno Valley College closed its campus due to poor air quality.
Resources and Conditions
- Fire officials deployed two air tankers, 23 fire engines, two helicopters, and two bulldozers, along with hand crews.
- The fire was fueled by strong easterly Santa Ana wind gusts of 30-40 mph. The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the San Bernardino and Riverside County valleys, forecasting gusts up to 50 mph through Saturday afternoon. Relative humidity was expected to remain low (10-15%).
- The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Crown Fire (Los Angeles County)
Location and Timeline
- The Crown Fire was reported at 11:23 a.m. on Friday near Acton, in northern Los Angeles County, specifically near North Crown Valley and Soledad Canyon roads.
- The fire burned 280 acres and was described as burning at a "moderate rate of speed."
Evacuations and Conditions
- A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the area south of Escondido Canyon Road, east of Big Springs Road, north of Hughes Canyon and Hubbard Road, and west of Crown Valley Road.
- Evacuation warnings were issued for areas north of Soledad Canyon, north of Escondido Canyon Road, south of Sierra Highway, and south of Valley Sage Road.
- The fire was reported to be burning toward structures. Gusts were measured at up to 55 mph.
Sandy Fire (Ventura County)
Location and Timeline
- The Sandy Fire broke out before 11 a.m. on Monday in the 600 block of Sandy Avenue in Simi Valley, California.
- The fire was first reported at approximately 10:17 a.m. via a call to Simi Valley police.
- The fire grew to cover between 184 and 836 acres according to various reports. It was 0% contained as of Monday afternoon and evening.
Evacuations and Closures
- Evacuation orders were issued for parts of southern Simi Valley. Evacuation warnings extended into northern Thousand Oaks.
- A temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park (5005 Los Angeles Avenue).
- A small animal shelter was opened at Simi Valley Animal Shelter (670 W Los Angeles Avenue).
- A large animal shelter was opened at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 E Harbor Boulevard).
Damage and Impact
- At least one home on Trickling Brook Court was destroyed. The exact number of damaged structures has not been confirmed.
- Simi Valley Unified School District stated that students were safe and kept indoors due to poor air quality.
Resources and Conditions
- Approximately 500 to 550 firefighters responded, supported by air tankers and helicopters.
- Santa Ana winds were active, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph in valleys and up to 40 mph on ridge tops. Conditions were expected to shift to onshore winds in the evening.
- As of Monday afternoon, the fire had burned at least 720 acres.
Possible Cause
- Simi Valley police received a call at 10:17 a.m. from an individual who stated they were clearing brush with a tractor when they struck a rock, which ignited a fire. Police stated this incident may have caused the fire but have not confirmed it as the official cause.
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