1,611 acre Silver Fire burning near Bishop prompts evacuation orders, warnings in Inyo, Mono counties

Firefighters have begun to gain the upper hand on the Silver Fire, which temporarily caused evacuation orders for residents of Inyo and Mono Counties near the California-Nevada border, according to Cal Fire officials. 

The blaze was reported at around 2:10 p.m. on Sunday near Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road, just north of Bishop. 

Cal Fire reported the fire had grown to 1,611 acres and was 70% contained on Wednesday evening. Though the fire had continued to grow through the day, firefighters finally reported stopping the forward spread on Monday afternoon.

Fire officials said overnight air and ground resources were "significantly increased" that day to help firefighting efforts as strong winds blowing through the area began to weaken.

Evacuation orders were issued for several communities, including the White Mountain Estates Neighborhood, Laws in Inyo County and Chalfant in Mono County. 

"A 30-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 6 has been closed for public safety," Cal Fire said. 

All evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings on Wednesday.

When the fire erupted on Sunday winds blowing in the area helped the flames to spread quickly and "created hazardous conditions," Cal Fire officials said.

The Bishop Senior Center on 682 Spruce St. was being used as an evacuation center. Residents may take their pets to the TriCounty Fair Grounds on 475 Sierra St., which is being used as an animal shelter. 

Below is a map of evacuation zones with latest information provided by Cal Fire. 

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Warning for the area from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. They forecasted winds as strong as 35 miles per hour in the area, with strongest gusts possibly reaching 65 miles per hour. 

Firefighters from Cal Fire's San Bernardino Unit were assisting the City of Bishop Fire Department and Inyo County Sheriff's Office with the incident.