Columbus Fire Reported Near Lake Isabella, Crews Responding

LAKE ISABELLA — Fire crews responded to a vegetation fire Sunday afternoon in the Bodfish area that has since been identified as the Columbus Fire, according to Watch Duty and emergency dispatch data.

The incident was first reported around 2:17 p.m., with multiple Kern County Fire Department resources dispatched and en route. Initial reports described the fire as approximately a half-acre burning in brush and grass with a slow rate of spread. Within minutes, updated information from ALERTCalifornia indicated the fire had grown to about 3 acres and was spreading at a moderate rate.

A significant response was assigned to the incident, including multiple engines, hand crews, water tenders, and bulldozers. Radio traffic and dispatch logs show several units already on scene while additional resources continued to arrive.

Smoke from the fire was visible across the surrounding hills near Bodfish, as captured by ALERTCalifornia cameras and local observers.

No evacuations or injuries had been reported as of publication. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

Firefighters continue working to contain the blaze. This is a developing story and information may change as crews provide updates.