The Pack fire in Mono County, California, rapidly expanded from 10 acres to 1,000 acres on Thursday afternoon, leading to evacuations for over 1,700 residents. Up to 20 homes were threatened by the blaze, fueled by winds up to 40 miles per hour, which also grounded firefighting aircraft. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
The fire is burning in a remote area of the eastern Sierra Nevada, impacting the Mammoth Lakes community which is preparing for ski season. Mammoth Mountain's opening day was postponed due to an approaching winter storm expected to bring rain and snow to Mono County, potentially aiding firefighters.
A winter storm warning is in effect for parts of Mono County, with predictions of up to a foot of snow at higher elevations and strong winds. The storm also poses risks of difficult travel conditions and damage to infrastructure. U.S. Route 395 was closed for a 13-mile stretch due to the conditions.
