Crews make progress on brush fires burning in Moreno Valley, Acton

The 4,176-acre Springs Fire burning near a Moreno Valley neighborhood is now 75% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

The 4,176-acre Springs Fire burning near a Moreno Valley neighborhood is now 75% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

Crews appeared to make significant progress on the fire overnight and into Saturday morning after it first broke out around 11 a.m. on Friday. The fire quickly spread due to strong Santa Ana winds.

Still, some evacuation warnings and orders are in place for nearby residents. Officials say no structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported.

All evacuation orders were lifted for the Crown Fire in the Acton area of northern Los Angeles County, officials said Saturday.

The wildfire has burned 345 acres after erupting early Friday afternoon near Crown Valley and Soledad Canyon roads, according to Cal Fire.

The cause of the wildfire is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters in Moreno Valley have achieved 45% containment of the Springs Fire, which has burned 4,176 Acres in Riverside County, officials said Saturday morning.

The quick-moving wildfire was reported about 11 a.m. Friday in the 15900 block of Gilman Springs Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was initially estimated at about 5 acres but soon spread, growing to 4,176 acres by 10 p.m. Friday, officials said.

Firefighters in Moreno Valley have achieved 45% containment of the Springs Fire, which as spread to 4,176 Acres in Riverside County, officials said.

Evacuation orders and warning remained in place Saturday, and an evacuation shelter remained opened at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley.

At least three air tankers, two type 1 helicopters, about 40 engines and four water tenders were requested to assist in battling the blaze, according to the fire department.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the fire, whose cause remains under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.

The 4,176-acre Springs Fire threatening homes in Moreno Valley is now 25% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

The 4,176-acre Springs Fire burning in Moreno Valley is now 25% contained, according to CAL FIRE. Fire officials believe they are now gaining the upper hand in the fight.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for nearby residents.

A strong flare-up on Friday night sent many people in the nearby neighborhood into a panic, evacuating their homes as the blaze drew near.

"I looked out, and I was in shock. I was, oh my God, I thought the neighbors' houses were actually on fire," said Moreno Valley Ranch resident Frank Disney.

Those who stayed behind despite mandatory evacuation orders were doing all they could to try to protect their homes in the Moreno Valley Ranch neighborhood.

"I've lived here 20 years, we've had a couple fires, but it's never gotten this close," said neighbor Maurice Williams.

Water-dropping helicopters hit the flames hard from the air as crews made a stand head-on.

The fire first broke out around 11 a.m., with strong winds fueling the flames burning in the foothills between Moreno Valley and Lake Perris.

"I've been rinsing off old pergola and just anything that's flammable, just wetting it down the best that we can, so hopefully we can alleviate any type of embers making their way into places," neighbor Dave Cappuccilli said.

"I came out. The winds were strong, and the sky had turned like brown. It was just mindblowing," Deepak Bahl said.

The flames were calming down until the dramatic change in conditions just feet from homes.

"I thought, 'Oh, they are going up in flames,' then all of a sudden, firetrucks just showed up," Disney said.

Crews will be in the neighborhood all night, keeping an eye on the hot spots. For now, the Santa Ana winds have died down.