Latest News

Cal Fire warns of evacuations in the eastern part of California due to a growing wildfire

Cal Fire warns of evacuations in the eastern part of California due to a growing wildfire

Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said that a rapidly growing wildfire in California’s Eastern Sierra region has burned 1,000 acres and forced evacuations across multiple counties.

Cal Fire reported that the Silver Fire, which erupted around 2:11 pm PT Sunday near Highway 6 & Silver Canyon Road, was still at zero percent containment.

Cal Fire said that evacuation orders had been issued for a number of communities including Laws, in Inyo County; Chalfant, in Mono County; and White Mountain Estates. Also, a 30-mile stretch along U.S. Highway 6 has been closed.

No immediate reports of structural damage or injuries have been made. Cal Fire says that the cause of this fire is still under investigation.

Cal Fire posted a Facebook post late Sunday stating that more than 200 firefighters were fighting the fire. However, gusts of up to 35 miles per hours at Bishop Airport grounded several firefighting planes and complicated containment attempts.

The National Weather Service forecasts southwest winds up to 65 mph with gusts of up to 25 mph for Monday in the region.

Los Angeles, the largest city in California, suffered its worst fires ever earlier this year. The fires killed 28 people, damaged or destroyed more than 16,000 buildings, and caused extensive damage.

(source: Reuters)