Latest news with #CalFireSanBernardinoUnit
USA Today
01-04-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Wildfires in California are threatening the world's oldest trees
Wildfires in California are threatening the world's oldest trees Show Caption Hide Caption 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.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Rapidly growing Silver Fire prompts evacuation orders in Inyo, Mono counties
A rapidly growing vegetation fire prompted evacuation orders for parts of Inyo and Mono counties on Sunday afternoon. According to Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit, the fire was first reported at 2:11 p.m. in the area of Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road in the city of Bishop. Labeled the Silver Fire, its flames burned at least 150 acres and were moving east/northeast at a 'rapid rate of speed,' officials said. Cal Fire BDU said in a 4 p.m. X post that the Silver Fire had jumped Highway 6 and was threatening multiple structures and powerlines. 'Aircraft, heavy equipment and additional engines requested,' said the department. Crews arrived to face unfavorable weather conditions, such as dry brush and high winds. One air attack, two tankers and at least one more unit were sent away or unable to fly due to 'extreme turbulence.' The National Weather Service in Las Vegas reported winds at the Bishop Airport were gusting 25-30 mph from the west/southwest, with a relative humidity around 10%. With assistance from Mono County law enforcement, crews began evacuating White Mountain Estates before 5 p.m. As of 6 p.m., mandatory evacuation orders were still in place for the following zones: ICU-017-B, ICU-019, ICU-057-B, ICU-065, ICU-087-B, ICU-087-E and MCU-E039. 'Immediate threat to life,' stated Cal Fire. 'This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access.' Mono County officials said that an evacuation center was established at the Benton Community Center, located at 58869 Highway 120 in Benton. California Highway Patrol in Bishop said at around 5:30 p.m. that it closed down Highway 6. For updates on changing road conditions, click here to see the Caltrans Quick Map. No injuries, damaged structures or fatalities were initially reported. Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
