California (Thechieftainspear) – A fast-moving wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon, prompting mandatory evacuations in parts of Inyo and Mono counties, according to Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit.
Fire Ignites Near Bishop
The blaze, named the Silver Fire, was first reported at 2:11 p.m. near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road in Bishop. Initially burning around 150 acres, the fire quickly expanded due to strong winds and dry vegetation.
By 8 p.m., officials reported that the fire had grown to 1,000 acres with 0% containment. Firefighters remained on scene as the flames continued to spread through dense brush.
Fire Jumps Highway 6, Threatens Homes and Infrastructure
The fire crossed Highway 6, putting structures and power lines at risk, Cal Fire confirmed. In response, additional aircraft, heavy equipment, and fire engines were requested to battle the blaze.
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However, unfavorable weather conditions complicated firefighting efforts. Crews faced gusty winds of 25-30 mph from the west-southwest, combined with extremely low humidity around 10%, making it difficult to control the spread. Some aerial resources were forced to stand down due to extreme turbulence.
Evacuations and Road Closures
By 5 p.m., evacuation orders were issued for White Mountain Estates, and multiple zones remained under mandatory evacuation orders as of 6 p.m.. These included:
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ICU-017-B
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ICU-019
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ICU-057-B
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ICU-065
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ICU-087-B
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ICU-087-E
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MCU-E039
Authorities urged residents to evacuate immediately, warning of an “immediate threat to life.”
An evacuation center was set up at Benton Community Center (58869 Highway 120, Benton) to assist displaced residents.
Highway Closures and Ongoing Investigation
At 5:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol in Bishop announced the closure of Highway 6 due to the fire. Drivers were advised to check Caltrans Quick Map for the latest road conditions.
As of Sunday evening, no injuries or fatalities had been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters will continue to work through the night to contain the flames and protect nearby communities .
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