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Fire broaches housing, residents warned to avoid smoke
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Four houses were evacuated and more than 10 acres burned in a brush fire that swept through base housing in the evening June 27, and continued to burn into the morning.
The fire was located in a canyon behind base housing near Laurel Street and Korina Street, and was contained but still burning at 8 a.m., said Dan Ardoin, Vandenberg Fire Department division chief.
"The fog is helping," he said, "but it's going to dissipate at about 9 a.m., so we're trying to knock it down as fast as possible."
He said 70 firefighters fought the blaze overnight, and 55 were still battling it in the morning and into the day. The response required the activation of mutual aid from the California Department of Forestry, Los Padres Department of Forestry and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The smell of lingering smoke hung heavy in the fog in the morning. To avoid respiratory irritants, people must avoid smoke contact as much as possible, Mr. Ardoin said. Those who feel they need alternate accommodations may call the housing office at 606-3434 for assistance.
The evacuated homes have been reopened, according to the 30th Space Wing Command Post. Vandenberg Public Health is set to conduct an assessment to establish air quality in the morning June 28, and results will determine personnel actions, including participation in outdoor activities and preventative steps to avoid contact with smoke.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.