Fast-moving California wildfire burns 1,200 acres and prompts evacuations

USA Today

01-04-2025

Fast-moving California wildfire burns 1,200 acres and prompts evacuations
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Silver Fire explodes near Bishop
The Silver Fire has prompted evacuations and road closures.
Fox - LA
A fast-moving wildfire has burned about 1,250 acres and prompted evacuations in multiple counties in central California, authorities said Monday.
The Silver fire began Sunday afternoon north of Bishop, a city located between Yosemite National Park and Death Valley National Park in Inyo County.
More than 400 personnel are on the scene at the vegetation fire. About 800 homes were issued evacuation notices, Chloe Castillo, a spokesperson for Cal Fire in San Bernardino, said Monday.
In addition, a 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 6 was also closed off before being reopened Monday morning, authorities said.
The blaze is currently at 0% containment, Cal Fire and the Inyo County Sheriff's Office reported Monday. Authorities have set up an evacuation center at a senior center in Bishop, California.
"The fire is actively threatening structures, critical infrastructure, endangered species habitats, watersheds, and cultural and heritage resources," Cal Fire's San Bernardino Unit posted on X Monday. "Fire activity intensified overnight, with significant runs driven by wind and terrain alignment. Air and ground resources have been significantly increased to support suppression efforts."
The cause of the Silver Fire remains under investigation. This latest wildfire comes nearly three months after the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in the Los Angeles region killed at least 29 people, burned more than 37,000 acres, or 57.8 square miles and damaged or destroyed more than 16,000 structures.
Public Safety Alert! An active wildfire is in the vicinity of the US Highway 6 and Laws/Silver Canyon area. An evacuation order is in place. Highway 6 is closed.
An evacuation center is established at the Benton Community Center, situated at 58869 Highway 120 in Benton, CA. pic.twitter.com/xM4ZVqL3Tn — CHP Bishop (@CHP_Bishop) March 31, 2025
The Silver fire also arrived as the National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for parts of central California until 9 p.m. Monday. Southwest winds between 25 and 35 mph and gusts up to 65 mph are in the forecast for the area, potentially leading to the fire spreading further, the weather service said.
Deadly L.A. fires finally contained: Palisades and Eaton wildfires 100% contained after nearly a month of burning
The strong winds have already grounded some firefighting aircraft and complicated containment efforts, Cal Fire warned.