Fast-Moving Wildfire Erupts in Picturesque California County
A rapidly spreading wildfire has torn through a scenic California county bordering Nevada, causing significant damage and triggering emergency evacuations. The blaze, known as the Pack Fire, damaged 15 structures and led to the temporary closure of a major highway on Thursday.
Firefighters Battle Blaze Amidst Challenging Conditions
The fire, located in Mono County approximately 140 miles southeast of Sacramento, had expanded to cover an area of about 5.3 square miles by Thursday evening. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the fire was burning with zero percent containment.
The emergency response was severely hampered by powerful wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. These dangerous conditions temporarily prevented firefighting aircraft from taking to the skies. However, Cal Fire reported a positive development by Thursday evening, stating that "Fire activity has decreased due to precipitation in the area."
Fire crews were committed to working through the night, with additional resources expected to arrive to bolster the firefighting effort the following day.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Impact
The wildfire's threat prompted immediate protective actions for residents. Part of Highway 395 was temporarily closed due to the proximity of the flames. Officials confirmed that an RV park in the McGee Creek area had been "impacted" by the fire, though it remained unclear if any private homes were among the structures destroyed.
To assist those displaced by the danger, evacuation shelters were established at a local middle school and the Tri-County Fairgrounds. The cause of the fast-moving wildfire is currently under investigation.
The rural Mono County, situated between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Nevada state line, is renowned for its majestic landscapes, including lakes and pine forests, which are now under threat from the ongoing blaze.
