A wildfire burns near Triple X Road and Coffee Creek in Luther, Okla., Friday, March 14, 2025.
Inyo County, California – A fast-moving wildfire erupted in central California over the weekend, quickly consuming 1,000 acres and prompting evacuation orders 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, just north of Bishop and close to the Nevada state border. The fire spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds, leading authorities to issue evacuation orders for the communities of Laws in Inyo County, Chalfant in Mono County, and White Mountain Estates. Additionally, a 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 6 was closed to ensure public safety.
By 8 p.m. Sunday, the fire had reached 1,000 acres with zero percent containment, according to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. Photos from Cal Fire captured thick black smoke billowing into the sky as orange flames consumed dry brush, highlighting the intensity of the blaze.
Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 35 mph, have significantly hampered containment efforts. “The fire has created hazardous conditions, grounding some firefighting aircraft and complicating containment efforts,” Cal Fire reported. Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and an evacuation center has been established at the Bishop Senior Center for 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 Monday, forecasting southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. These extreme conditions pose a risk of further fire spread, making firefighting efforts even more challenging.
The Silver Fire is the latest in a series of devastating wildfires that have erupted across the United States in recent weeks. In South Carolina, state officials are expected to lift a statewide burn ban Monday morning, but five counties—Greenville, Horry, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg—remain under restrictions due to ongoing wildfire threats. The Table Rock Fire, spanning nearly 11,000 acres in South Carolina and 574 acres in North Carolina, is only 9% contained, while the Persimmon Ridge Fire has burned over 2,000 acres and remains at 24% containment. Mandatory evacuations continue in parts of Greenville County as dry vegetation and downed timber from Hurricane Helene fuel the fires.
The timing and severity of California’s fire season vary annually, depending on prior precipitation levels, heat waves, and wind conditions. Northern California typically experiences its peak fire activity from late spring to early fall, while Southern California’s fire season often stretches from late spring through autumn. Strong offshore winds can intensify wildfire conditions, while Pacific weather systems occasionally help suppress fire activity.
With high winds forecast and containment efforts hindered, officials warn that the Silver Fire remains a severe and evolving threat. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders as authorities work to bring the blaze under control.
