VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE -- A wildfire that burned 350 acres of dry brush at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County is at least 50 percent contained.
The fire started just before noon Wednesday, and was sparked by a blown transformer near the base's main gate on Highway 1, according to an Air Force news release. Power lines were down and sporadic electricity outages were reported.
Hundreds of base employees were ordered to leave certain buildings after the fire was reported, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. David Sadecki.
"The forward movement of the fire has been stopped," Sadecki said. "We're not out of the woods yet, but we're making good progress."
The blaze was burning out of control and was being fanned by 50 mph winds.
About 20 engines, 10 air tankers and five helicopters were working on the fire.
The western edge of the blaze was contained, according to Sadecki. To the east, the fire was halted at Pine Canyon, about a mile and a half from homes in the town of Vandenberg Village.
No structures were threatened.
Crews were trying to contain the fire ahead of hot, dry winds expected at sundown.
Highway 1 and Pine Canyon roads were closed.
Access between Santa Maria and Lompoc using Highway 1 was cut off.
Drivers need to take Harris Grade Road as an alternate route.
The only access to Vandenberg Air Force Base is through the main gate and the Utah gate.
The base is not closed, but they are suspending all non-essential functions.
Electricity to the base has been shut off as a precaution.
The base is about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara.
The fire started just before noon Wednesday, and was sparked by a blown transformer near the base's main gate on Highway 1, according to an Air Force news release. Power lines were down and sporadic electricity outages were reported.
Hundreds of base employees were ordered to leave certain buildings after the fire was reported, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. David Sadecki.
"The forward movement of the fire has been stopped," Sadecki said. "We're not out of the woods yet, but we're making good progress."
The blaze was burning out of control and was being fanned by 50 mph winds.
About 20 engines, 10 air tankers and five helicopters were working on the fire.
The western edge of the blaze was contained, according to Sadecki. To the east, the fire was halted at Pine Canyon, about a mile and a half from homes in the town of Vandenberg Village.
No structures were threatened.
Crews were trying to contain the fire ahead of hot, dry winds expected at sundown.
Highway 1 and Pine Canyon roads were closed.
Access between Santa Maria and Lompoc using Highway 1 was cut off.
Drivers need to take Harris Grade Road as an alternate route.
The only access to Vandenberg Air Force Base is through the main gate and the Utah gate.
The base is not closed, but they are suspending all non-essential functions.
Electricity to the base has been shut off as a precaution.
The base is about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara.
