About 15 miles from Mammoth Mountain, California, a 3,000-acre wildfire that prompted evacuation orders and damaged structures has struck. The blaze, known as the Pack Fire, was spotted on Thursday and was fuelled by strong winds. Its cause is under investigation, according to Cal Fire.

MONO COUNTY, Calif. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire in a picturesque California county along the Nevada state border has damaged 15 structures, prompted evacuations and forced the closure of part of a highway on Thursday as firefighters worked to contain it in the face of strong winds.

A Pacific storm could help California crews battle the dangerous Pack Fire in Mono County, but it could also wreak havoc on fire-charred communities further south.

According to Cal Fire, the Pack Fire ignited Thursday at 12:25 p.m. Pacific and fire officials confirmed 28 structures were destroyed by the wildfire and five structures had been damaged by the wildfire.

Hours after the wind-whipped Pack fire ignited in Mono County on Thursday afternoon, damaging homes, a storm rolled in, bringing with it much needed precipitation.

A winter storm bearing down on Central California this week whipped up a wildfire, prompting evacuations, but also helped dissipate some of the flames.

A fire in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains is spreading at a critical rate and forcing evacuations, as much of the state sees rain.

The fire is burning close to Highway 395, which is closed in the area, and McGee Creek Road. Evacuation orders remain in place in the region for McGee Creek and Long Valley. Other neighboring communities, including Crowley Lake and Aspen Springs, are under evacuation warning. Reports of damage to at least 15 structures surfaced Friday morning.

A new wildfire was reported today at 12:25 p.m. in Mono County, California. After being active for six hours, Pack Fire has burned 3,400 acres. 368 firefighters have been assigned to respond to the blaze.