Two Southern California brush fires prompt evacuation amid Santa Ana winds

Two fast-growing wildfires broke out in Southern California on Friday, prompting evacuations in Los Angeles and Riverside counties in the first large blazes of the 2026 fire season.

The Springs Fire in Riverside County is the largest blaze so far, spreading across 3,500 acres as of publishing time and is just 5% contained. The fire prompted evacuations in Lake Perris and Moreno Valley.

Alex Izaguirre, a spokesperson with Riverside County Fire, told the Los Angeles Times that "wind" is the biggest issue with the fire right now because of the Santa Ana winds, which feature gusts of up to 50 mph. 

The Crown Fire in Los Angeles County prompted evacuations in areas south of Escondido Canyon Road, east of Big Springs Road, north of Hughes Canyon and Hubbard Road, and west of Crown Valley Road.

The Crown Fire has blazed through 280 acres so far and is 25% contained at time of publishing.

The fires come as California braces for fire season. Fire season typically lasts from June or July through October or November in the north, and May through October in the south. However, the fire season has been getting more unpredictable in recent years and can at times depend on weather conditions.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.