California wildfire threatens world’s oldest tree

ANKARA

California firefighters are battling a wildfire threatening the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to Methuselah, a nearly 5,000-year-old tree considered the oldest in the world.

The Silver Fire, which began Sunday, has burned around 1,600 acres (6.5 square kilometers) in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, prompting evacuation orders for several communities, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As of Tuesday evening, containment reached 60%, according to the latest update by Cal Fire.

Although firefighters have made progress, Chloe Castillo, public information officer for Cal Fire, told USA Today Tuesday that the blaze remained “an active threat to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.”

Methuselah, the forest’s most famous bristlecone pine, has not been confirmed as being in immediate danger, but officials are keeping evacuation warnings in place due to high winds forecast in the area.

The ancient tree’s remarkable longevity is attributed to harsh conditions, including extreme weather and nutrient-poor soil, which slow the natural decay process.

Cal Fire said the wildfire, near the Nevada border, continues to threaten “structures, critical infrastructure and endangered species.”

Firefighting teams have faced extreme cold and powerful winds, complicating efforts.
“It’s been a very tough firefight,” Castillo said.

Aerial firefighting efforts have been limited due to poor visibility from smoke and erratic wind conditions.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.