A smoky wildfire in Southern California, near Moreno Valley, is now mostly under control after breaking out a day earlier. Strong Santa Ana winds initially fueled the blaze, but dissipating winds and natural trails aided 260 personnel in containment efforts. No structures have been damaged, though some evacuation orders persist.
A smoky wildfire in southern California that prompted evacuation orders a day earlier was mostly under control by Saturday afternoon, fire officials confirmed. The blaze, located in a populated unincorporated part of Riverside County near the city of Moreno Valley, was initially fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts predicted up to 45 mph (72 kph). However, winds had "dissipated a bit" since Friday, significantly assisting fire crews. Natural equestrian trails in the area also proved beneficial, helping firefighters access the blaze and establish effective containment lines. As of now, no structures have been damaged or destroyed. Crews began early Saturday dropping water and retardant by air, with about 260 personnel battling the blaze, including regional teams building and strengthening containment lines and laying hose. A handful of county zones remain under mandatory evacuation orders, though the number of affected households is not immediately known. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
