Two Wildfires Spark Evacuations in Southern California

Two fast-growing wildfires ignited in Southern California on Friday, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for hundreds of residents as strong winds fueled the blazes across Riverside and Los Angeles counties.

The Springs Fire broke out around 11 a.m. near Gilman Springs Road, east of Moreno Valley in Riverside County, an unincorporated recreational area near a city of about 200,000 people located roughly 64 miles east of Los Angeles. By mid-afternoon, the fire had scorched more than 2,000 acres, with some estimates reaching up to 2,850 acres by 3:30 p.m., according to fire officials. The cause remains under investigation. Mandatory evacuations were issued for areas north of Ramona Expressway and east of Lake Perris, as well as south of John F. Kennedy Drive in Moreno Valley. Evacuation warnings covered neighborhoods north of John F. Kennedy Drive and west of Sinclair Street and Redlands Boulevard. It was unclear exactly how many households were affected, but authorities closed Gilman Springs Road from Alessandro Road to Bridge Street to aid firefighting efforts.

More than 100 personnel, including 23 fire engines, two helicopters, two bulldozers and air tankers, were deployed...