Silver Fire in Eastern California Rapidly Spreads, Forces Evacuations

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Silver Fire in Eastern California Rapidly Spreads, Forces Evacuations

1 day ago

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Silver Fire in Eastern California Rapidly Spreads, Forces Evacuations

Credited from: NYTIMES

The Silver Fire in California's Eastern Sierra region has escalated rapidly, consuming over 1,250 acres and leading to significant evacuations in Inyo and Mono counties, according to NYTimes. The fire ignited around 2:11 p.m. local time on Sunday near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road, threatening structures and essential infrastructure.

Evacuations have been ordered for several communities, including Laws and Chalfant, as well as neighborhoods like White Mountain Estates. Cal Fire reported that as of late Sunday night, the fire remained at zero percent containment amidst challenging conditions, which included gusts reaching 35 mph that grounded many firefighting aircraft, complicating efforts to control the blaze.

By Monday morning, the situation worsened, with additional high winds forecasted, prompting continued alerts from the National Weather Service. “The fire is actively threatening structures, critical infrastructure, endangered species habitats, watersheds, and cultural and heritage resources,” Cal Fire stated in a social media update, reinforcing the urgency of the evacuation orders. A 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 6 has also been closed due to the spread of the fire, which has been described as moving at a “rapid rate of speed,” driven by dry, windy conditions. As of now, there are no reported injuries.

For ongoing updates, check out ABC News and LA Times.