Brush fire near Big Pine burns 2,000 acres, is 15% contained

An Inyo County brush fire that began burning out of control Tuesday night has burned more than 2,000 acres and is now 15% contained, authorities said Wednesday.

The blaze, which has been named the John fire, started at about 1:30 p.m. near Highway 395 just south of Big Pine, authorities said in a news release.

Residents of the southwest portion of Big Pine have been told to prepare for possible evacuation though authorities do not see an immediate threat to structures in the area.

More than 500 firefighters and other personnel have been deployed to the blaze, which is being managed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the California Highway Patrol, the Inyo County Sheriff and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Firefighters from Big Pine, Bishop and Mammoth Lakes have also been deployed to fight the blaze.

No injuries have been reported. The cause is still under investigation.

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-- Paloma Esquivel

Image: Map shows approximate location of a brush fire near Big Pine. Source: Google Maps