A rapidly growing wildfire, dubbed the Silver Fire, has prompted urgent evacuation orders for parts of Inyo and Mono counties in California on Sunday afternoon, March 30, 2025. The fire ignited around 2:11 p.m. near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road, just north of Bishop, according to reports from Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit.
By 8 p.m. the same day, the fire had expanded dramatically, burning approximately 1,000 acres with zero percent containment. The flames threatened nearby structures and power lines, leading officials to issue evacuation orders for several zones.
The National Weather Service reported that winds at Bishop Airport were gusting between 25 and 35 mph from the west and southwest, combined with a relative humidity of around 10%. These conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which was described as being active in thick brush.
Cal Fire crews from San Bernardino and Riverside counties have joined local firefighters in battling the blaze. However, some firefighting aircraft were grounded due to extreme turbulence, which hampered aerial efforts to contain the fire. "Aircraft, heavy equipment, and additional engines requested," Cal Fire announced as they assessed the situation.
Evacuation orders were issued for multiple zones, including ICU-017-B, ICU-019, ICU-057-B, ICU-065, ICU-087-B, ICU-087-E, and MCU-E039. Residents in these areas were ordered to leave immediately. An evacuation center was set up at the Bishop Senior Center, located at 682 Spruce St, Bishop, CA 93514.
As the fire continued to spread, additional evacuation orders were also announced for White Mountain Estates and the community of Chalfant in Mono County. Local authorities advised residents to heed the evacuation orders, emphasizing the immediate threat to life. "This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access," Cal Fire stated.
Road closures expanded as the fire progressed, with U.S. Highway 6 closed in both directions from Five Bridges Road to State Route 120 E in Benton. Other affected roads included Silver Canyon Road, Jean Blanc Road, and Laws Poleta Road. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the highway closures to ensure public safety.
By 6 p.m., the fire response included 18 engines, four hand crews, two bulldozers, and two water tenders on the scene. An additional 32 engines and two more bulldozers were ordered to assist as the situation developed. Despite these efforts, the fire remained uncontained, and the cause is still under investigation.
Residents and travelers have been urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders for their safety. Updates are being provided through Inyo County’s emergency website and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page as the fire moves northward.
As of now, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, but the situation remains fluid as fire crews work tirelessly to manage the blaze. The Silver Fire is just one of many challenges facing firefighters during this unusually dry season in Southern California, which has seen less rainfall than normal.
Late March typically marks the end of California’s rainy season, making wildfires during this period relatively rare. However, the ongoing drought conditions have heightened the risk of such incidents. The gusty winds are expected to continue at least until mid-morning Monday, further complicating containment efforts.
Inyo County officials have been actively coordinating with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure the safety of residents. The community is rallying together, with many residents offering support to those displaced by the fire.
As the firefighting efforts continue, officials are focused on protecting lives and property while working to bring the blaze under control. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines and evacuation orders as the situation evolves.
For those in the affected areas, it is crucial to stay tuned to local news outlets and official channels for the latest updates on the Silver Fire and any further developments regarding evacuations and road conditions.
The Silver Fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires, particularly in regions experiencing dry conditions and high winds. As firefighters work to combat the flames, the community is united in hope for a swift resolution to this emerging crisis.
