The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Monday, forecasting gusts of up to 65 mph in parts of central California, which could exacerbate fire spread.
Over the weekend, a vegetation fire broke out in central California, rapidly expanding to over 1,000 acres within a day and prompting evacuations across multiple counties.
The Silver Fire ignited at 2:11 p.m. local time on Sunday in Inyo County, near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road, north of Bishop, close to the Nevada state border.
Within hours, evacuation orders were issued for Laws in Inyo County, Chalfant in Mono County, and the White Mountain Estates neighborhoods. Additionally, a 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 6 was closed.
By 8 p.m. on Sunday, the fire had grown to 1,000 acres and was at zero percent containment, according to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. As of Monday morning, it had expanded further to 1,250 acres.
Photos released by Cal Fire depict thick plumes of black smoke billowing from intense orange flames consuming dry, yellowed vegetation.
Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph, fueled the blaze, creating hazardous conditions. Cal Fire said these conditions grounded some firefighting aircraft and complicated containment efforts.
Ongoing Investigations and Precautions
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have established an evacuation center at the Bishop Senior Center in Bishop to assist affected residents.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for parts of central California from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT on Monday. Southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 65 mph, are forecasted, posing a heightened risk of further fire spread.
Wildfire Threats Across the Country
Wildfires have been raging across the U.S. in recent weeks. In South Carolina, blazes erupted earlier this month and continue to burn.
State officials in South Carolina are expected to lift a statewide burn ban for most counties on Monday morning. However, five counties—Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg—remain under restrictions due to ongoing wildfire threats.
The Table Rock Fire spans nearly 11,000 acres in South Carolina and an additional 574 acres in neighboring North Carolina, with containment at just 9%, according to a South Carolina Forestry Commission report on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Persimmon Ridge Fire has consumed more than 2,000 acres and is at 24% containment.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for parts of Greenville County. These fires are being fueled by dry vegetation and downed timber left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Authorities urge residents in fire-prone areas to stay alert and prepared as extreme weather conditions persist.
Source: nbcnews.com