Wildfires in California are threatening the world's oldest trees
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Firefighters battle growing blaze in central California
Firefighters worked through the night to battle a wildfire ablaze in central California.
Firefighters in central California were working Tuesday to contain a wildfire near the Nevada border threatening a forest home to the oldest trees in the world, after making good progress on Monday, officials said.
The Silver Fire broke out Sunday near Bishop, California, in Inyo County and has burned 1,589 acres. It was 50% contained as of Tuesday morning. Forward spread of the flames was successfully halted on Monday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Residents were still under evacuation orders as crews worked for more containment.
"The fire still threatens structures, critical infrastructure, watersheds, endangered species, and cultural resources," the Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit said in a post to social media on Tuesday.
Less than 15 miles from the fire, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest contains trees that are more than 4,000 years old. The Patriarch Tree is the world's largest bristlecone pine tree.
The oldest tree in the world: Meet 'Methuselah,' a literal hidden gem.
"The concern comes from the weather. The increased winds that are projected over the next day and today, it leaves concerns because of the fact that flareups can happen. There is still an active threat to the bristlecones," Cal Fire Public Information Officer Chloe Castillo told USA TODAY on Tuesday.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation, according to Cal Fire.
Photos of the fire the day it broke out show flames and dark smoke billowing up from an area of dry brush. The fire was located along Highway 6.
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