The Magic blaze, which started on Monday morning in Inyo and Mono counties, scorched 1,250 acres and sparked evacuees.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection first discovered the vegetation-fueled incident at Highway 6 and Silver Canyon Road northwest of Bishop at 2:11 p.m. on Sunday.
The fire then jumped into a blog on X and threatened “multiple structures,” according to Cal Fire BDU. From Five Bridges Road to State Route 120 East in Benton, Highways 6 is closed in both directions.
According to Cal Fire, evacuation orders are in result for the areas of Laws in Inyo County, Chalfant in Mono County, and White Mountain Estates area. As of Monday morning, the fire was 0 % contained.
The White Mountains, west of the incident, are home to the oldest trees in the world, but a Cal Fire rep could not be reached for comment on the potential risk to the woods.
The ground and strong winds caused the fire to grow overnight, according to Cal Fire. At the Bishop Airport, gusts can reach 35 mph. A high-wind notice has been issued by the National Weather Service through 9 p.m. on Monday. There are expected gusts of up to 65 miles and gusts of up to 25 to 35 miles in the south.
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers set up an evacuation facility at the Benton Community Center, 58869 Highway 120 in Benton.
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