A wildfire that started Sunday morning has grown to approximately 2,500 acres and closed down access to Mt. Whitney near Lone Pine, according to unified command news release.

According to a Monday evening update, the Georges Fire showed 10 percent containment, and being combatted by Inyo National Forest, CALFIRE, and Inyo County Sheriff. There were nine crews, 20 engines, three dozers, six helicopters, three air tankers and a very large air tanker (VLAT) assigned to the incident as of Monday.

The fire is located north of Lone Pine and west of Manzanar National Historic Site, and initial investigations determined it was caused by a lightning strike.

The Whitney Portal area was evacuated, including campgrounds, residents, and the Whitney Portal Store. The Hogback and Whitney Portal Roads were closed. Hikers who exited at Whitney Portal that do not have a vehicle had the option call a shuttle service or arrange to be picked up. Shuttle services will only be assisting exiting hikers at this time as conditions permit.

Additional road closures include the Foothill Road and Moffat Ranch Road as well as any other roads that enter the fire area.

In addition, Inyo National Forest personnel contacted permit holders for the Whitney Portal Trailhead and the Shepherd Pass Trailhead to notify them that they cannot begin their hikes today from these trailheads.

The National Recreation Trail (from Lone Pine Campground) is also closed and may not be used as an alternative to get to Whitney Portal. The Inyo National Forest is also working with campers who hold reservations at Whitney Portal.

For more information on the fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5907/