Southern California's Apple Fire Burns More than 41 Square Miles (PHOTOS)

Southern California's Apple Fire has burned more than 41 square miles as of Monday, and forced more than 8,000 evacuations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The wildfire began in the Cherry Valley community on Friday afternoon, and was only 5% contained by Monday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Temperatures in the triple digits, low humidity and rugged terrain are making the battle against the fire difficult.

(MORE: Southern California Wildfire Keeps 8,000 People From Their Homes)

Officials ordered evacuations in areas of Cherry Valley and Banning Bench in Riverside County, as well as parts of Oak Glen and the Potato Canyon area in San Bernardino County, totaling to more than 2,500 homes, according to the Associated Press.

Wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph are expected Monday afternoon and evening, which could further fuel the flames.

Click through the slideshow above to see images of the blaze.