A fast-moving wildfire known as the Silver Fire has scorched over 1,500 acres near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road, north of Bishop, California. The fire, first reported Sunday afternoon, had burned 1,589 acres by late Monday and was 47% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Key Developments:
- Evacuation orders are in effect for approximately 800 homes in the communities of Laws, Chalfant, and White Mountain Estates.
- The fire threatens structures, critical infrastructure, cultural sites, and endangered species habitats, including those of the Owens pupfish and desert bighorn sheep.
- No injuries have been reported.
- Highway 6 is closed in both directions from Five Bridges Road to State Route 120 E in Benton.
- Wind gusts up to 65 mph have grounded firefighting aircraft, limiting water-dropping helicopter and air tanker support.
- Cal Fire, the Bishop Fire Department, and Inyo County Sheriff’s Office are leading the firefighting efforts in Unified Command.
- Crews continue to work overnight to build containment lines and monitor flare-ups.
Cal Fire warns that erratic winds and incoming weather may continue to complicate firefighting efforts through Tuesday morning.
