Nov. 14 (UPI) — A winter storm bearing down on Central California this week whipped up a wildfire, prompting evacuations, but also helped dissipate some of the flames in the form of heavy precipitation, experts said.
The Pack Fire in Mono County was sparked midday Thursday by strong, dry winds sweeping along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. A low-pressure system featuring rain followed, the Los Angeles Times reported.
As of Friday morning, the fire consumed some 3,400 acres and was 5% contained near the communities of Long Valley and McGee Creek, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. Officials ordered evacuations for both communities and set up shelters at Mammoth Lakes Middle School and Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop.
CBS News reported the wildfire was situated near the Mammoth Mountain ski resort and damaged at least 15 homes in the McGee Trailer Park. Another 30 structures were under threat…