In Bishop, California, strong winds have fueled a fast-moving wildfire in a remote area of eastern California, resulting in mandatory evacuations for hundreds of residences. The Silver Fire broke out on Sunday near Route 6 in Inyo County, approximately 5 miles northeast of Bishop in the Owens Valley. By Monday morning, the fire had spread across nearly 2 square miles of dry vegetation, with no containment in sight, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Due to gusts reaching up to 65 mph, firefighting efforts using helicopters and air tankers have been limited, with flights grounded for safety reasons, as stated by Cal Fire spokesperson Chloe Castillo. The unpredictable winds have been a challenge for responders, with directions shifting rapidly.
Evacuations have been issued for around 800 homes in the vicinity of Laws, Chalfant, and White Mountain Estates. Cal Fire emphasized that the fire poses a threat to endangered habitats, water sources, and significant cultural and historical sites.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Inyo County, bordering Nevada, has been facing severe drought conditions with minimal recent rainfall, leading to exceptionally dry conditions in certain areas. A significant portion of Southern California is also experiencing moderate to extreme drought as per the U.S. Drought Monitor report.
