VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Base fire officials said that as of 8:00 p.m. on 20 September, there are 1,056 firefighters from over 50 agencies battling the wildland fire on Vandenberg’s South Base that began September 17. Officials estimate that the Canyon Fire is currently 12,000 acres and is 45% contained.
Cooler weather aided fire crews with building containment lines along the eastern edge of the fire today. The fire remained active on the northern portions, however, crews were able to engage the front line of the blaze directly and successfully established several containment lines along that front.
Cooler and more favorable weather conditions are predicted for tonight over the fire area. As conditions allow, fire crews will continue to look for opportunities to extend existing containment lines and to build new containments lines.
Teams established robust defenses and containment lines along the fire’s east and west boundaries today. Tomorrow, teams will work to strengthen those areas to further protect the base’s critical launch complexes and prevent the fire from spreading off of base property.
For updates please check the Vandenberg AFB website at www.vandenberg.af.mil.