VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 1,200 acre Canyon Fire on south Vandenberg, Sept. 18, 2016, is burning at what responders describe as a “slow to moderate speed”.
Vandenberg AFB firefighters, assisted by U.S. Forestry Service, CalFire, and Santa Barbara County fire crews, continue to work around the clock fighting the fire, however as of 1:47 p.m. it remained zero percent contained.
Multiple protective measures such as aggressive air tanker drops, new fire breaks cut by Vandenberg and Santa Barbara County bulldozers, and attacking spot fires directly by engine crews are being employed by the 230+ firefighters on scene.
Vandenberg AFB Civil Engineers are also working to mitigate power outage caused by the fire burning in the remote VAFB canyon between Arguello and Santa Ynez Ridge Roads.
As additional responders arrive to assist in the efforts to fight the fire, on and off-base residents are directed to avoid the South Vandenberg AFB area. Effective immediately and until further notice, only mission-essential personnel, as designated by their commander, will be granted access to South Base. Mission-essential personnel who work north of Mesa Road in the South Base cantonment area should utilize the South Base gate to access South base. Mission-essential personnel who work at facilities along Coast Road should enter through the Coast Gate. All others should contact their supervisory chain for reporting instructions.
There is no restriction for North Base activities. Personnel working on North Base should report for duty using normal procedures.
More information to follow as the situation develops, and the current situation is subject to change.