As a result of the fires on North and South Base, the 30th Force Support Squadron sponsored exotic vehicle show scheduled for Saturday is cancelled due to ongoing firefighting efforts.
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The fire began just after 2:00pm near building 12000, which is the Communications Squadron building.
A preliminary report says a downed powerline sparked it. In addition, VAFB officials said growth was slowing. As of 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the blaze had grown beyond 10,000 acres “more than doubling in the past 24 hours” and was 18 percent contained.
The so-called Canyon Fire, which has scorched more than 12,000 acres of drought-parched chaparral since erupting September 17, prompted the closure of the southern end of the air base to all but essential personnel on Sunday.
[5:00 p.m.] The Airfield Road Fire has now scorched about 100 acres, according to the latest information from Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni. The fire is about 100 acres in size but out of control due to the wind gusts of 30-40 miles per hour.
Osler started as a member of the Ventura County Fire Handcrew in 1998 and he was hired as trainee firefighter in 2006 before being promoted after six years of service. No structures were threatened. Officials from Vandenberg said Monday that the fire started on Saturday on the southern end of the base and they are now investigating a cause.
Officials said the fire did not pose an immediate threat to the space launch complex. Inbound traffic to the base is closed until further notice.
Check back for continued updates.
The warning, which is issued when critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will occur shortly, was in effect from 3 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. The fire was controlled as of Thursday night and burned about 250 acres, the base said. Our news crews are reporting seeing a lot of smoke in nearby Lompoc. All off-base evacuation orders were lifted Thursday morning, officials said.
The fire is now burning in the area of Washington Avenue and Airfield Road.
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The gusty winds and high temperatures are expected to last into Monday.
