Firefighters make good progress on wildfire burning near Bishop, with 40% containment

A wildfire burning east of Bishop in the Owens Valley stalled after growing to 4,100 acres as firefighters continued to gain an upper hand on the blaze amid improving conditions Friday, authorities said.

The Airport fire first broke out Wednesday near the remote Eastern Sierra Regional Airport and quickly grew to 3,900 acres as steady winds fanned the flames, before its spread was halted Thursday night.

There have been no reports of injuries or damaged structures, authorities said. Its cause remains under investigation.

The blaze prompted evacuations in and around the north end of the Owens Valley, but the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection lifted evacuation orders Thursday evening. Temperatures dropped below freezing overnight, winds calmed and firefighters made good progress on containment, which had reached 40% by Friday night.

Warm Springs Road southeast of Bishop remained closed as firefighters continued to mop up the north end of the fire area, officials said. Cal Fire expects the fire to be fully contained by Thursday.