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 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.”

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.”

No injuries, damaged structures or fatalities were initially reported.

Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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