March 16, 2026 – Inyo County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on March 14, 2026, at approximately 1:12 p.m., deputies with the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office observed a vegetation fire while completing an unrelated call for service in the area of Center Street in Big Pine, California.

Deputies immediately requested fire personnel and responded toward the source of the flames, which were burning in a brush-covered field near the end of Poplar Avenue, with nearby structures in the area. Once on scene, deputies observed that Ryan Jones of Big Pine was the only individual in the immediate area of the fire.

After an on-scene investigation was conducted, deputies arrested Jones, and he was taken into custody on the following charges:

PC 451(c) – Arson of a structure or forest land (Felony)

PC 453(a) – Possession of flammable materials or devices for arson (Felony)

PC 148(a)(1) – Obstructing or resisting a peace officer (Misdemeanor)

HS 11364(a) – Possession of unlawful paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)

Cal Fire, Big Fire Department, and U.S Forest Service personnel responded and extinguished the vegetation fire before it spread further. Evidence related to the incident was collected at the scene.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 760-878-0383.

Source & photos: Inyo County Sheriff’s Office