Brush Fire Burns Near Campground On Catalina Island

CATALINA ISLAND (CBSLA) — A brush fire was reported Thursday near a campground on Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The blaze, which has been dubbed the Middle Fire, was first reported at about 1:25 p.m. near Middle Ranch Road, in the vicinity of the Black Jack Campground.

The forward progress of the fire was stopped by crews at 17 acres, and was 20% contained, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

However, windy conditions could complicate the firefight on Catalina Island, which is seeing winds of up to 10 mph out of the north-northeast. The Middle Fire reportedly had the potential to grow to 30 acres, and was moving in the direction of Avalon.

The column of smoke from the brush fire was visible from the coast of Orange and Los Angeles counties.

A number of firefighting aircraft are battling the blaze, including two Super Scoopers, a helitanker, and a water tender from the Catalina Island Conservancy. LA County Fire says a fixed-wing tanker, an air attack craft, and personnel from the mainland are also en route.

No injuries have yet been reported, and no structures are in danger as of now.

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