SECOND UPDATE: Columbus Fire near Lake Isabella stops Forward Progression; Evacuation Warnings lifted

LAKE ISABELLA — Firefighters responding to a vegetation fire Sunday afternoon near Bodfish have stopped the forward progression of what is now being called the Columbus Fire, with evacuation warnings now lifted, according to incident command and emergency alert updates.

The fire was first reported around 2:17 p.m., prompting a multi-agency response from the Kern County Fire Department. Initial reports placed the fire at about a half-acre burning in brush and grass at a slow rate of spread. Within a short time, updates from ALERTCalifornia indicated the fire had grown to approximately 3 acres with a moderate rate of spread.

A significant number of resources were assigned, including multiple engines, hand crews, bulldozers, and water tenders. Aircraft were also deployed, with helicopters making repeated water drops in steep terrain to slow the fire’s advance.

As of the latest update, forward progression of the fire has been stopped, meaning crews have halted its advance. Firefighters remain on scene working to strengthen containment lines and mop up hot spots.

Earlier in the incident, evacuation warnings were issued for zone KRN-735-C through ReadyKern and Genasys. Those warnings have since been lifted as conditions improved and fire activity decreased.

Smoke from the fire was visible across the surrounding hills near Bodfish and Lake Isabella throughout the afternoon.

No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire personnel are expected to remain on scene as containment efforts continue.