BISHOP, Calif. (KNX) — A large wildfire burning east of Bishop, Calif. in the Owens Valley grew to 3,900 acres Thursday, after its start Wednesday night. The "Airport Fire" remains 0% contained, according to an 11 a.m. update from the Inyo County Sheriff's Office.
Evacuation orders are in place for several areas, including the census-designated area of Big Pine, east of Highway 395. Also included in evacuations are the White Mountain Research Center and the Owens Valley Radio Observatory operated by the California Institute of Technology.
An evacuation center is open at the Bishop Senior Center, located at 682 Spruce Street in Bishop, Calif.
Approximately 150 structures are threatened by the fire, with none damaged or destroyed so far, according to Cal Fire. CalTrans will continue the closure of State Route 168 east through at least 6 p.m. while fire crews continue to work, according to an afternoon update.
The wildfire is believed to have started around 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, and grew overnight as a result of strong winds.
A total of 432 people are assigned the fire, including 66 engines, one helicopter, 16 hand crews, seven dozers and seven water tenders.
Caltrans, Inyo National Forest officials, Bishop firefighters and Big Pine firefighters are among the agencies working to contain the large wildfire.
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