- Evacuation orders remained in effect for residents in eastern California as the Silver Fire was 50% contained after consuming nearly 1,600 acres. The region has experienced a severe drought, leading to fire hazards.
- The Silver Fire sparked Sunday afternoon, March 30. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
- Officials said strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts.
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Firefighters have partially contained a wildfire that swept through a rural area of eastern California. The blaze began on Sunday, March 30, and has continued to burn acres into Tuesday, April 1.
The wildfire, dubbed the Silver Fire, prompted officials to issue evacuation orders for communities including Laws, Chalfant and White Mountain Estates.
Silver Fire rips through eastern California
The fire burned through at least 2.5 square miles, forcing residents in approximately 800 nearby homes to evacuate.
As of Tuesday morning, April 1, Cal Fire reported that firefighters had contained the blaze at 50%, which had burned nearly 1,600 acres.
Evacuation orders and warnings also remained in place Tuesday as local governments set up evacuation shelters for people and animals. A nearby highway also remained closed due to the fire.
What caused the wildfire?
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no injuries have been reported.
Officials said strong winds made firefighting difficult, forcing first responders to ground helicopters and air tankers Monday, March 31.
The region where the fire sparked is also suffering from dry conditions, which are considered to be severe droughts.
