VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg AFB begins cleanup and recovery efforts in order to return the base to normal operations after the Canyon Fire that began on Sept. 17.
Currently the Canyon Fire is at 100 percent containment. It has consumed more than 12,500 acres. At its peak the fire had 1,052 fire fighters from more than 50 agencies and multiple aircraft in a battle to save life, property, and national defense facilities.
According to Lt. Col. Ryan Novotny, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, crews have restored electricity to the more than 150 facilities that lost power due to a swift moving fire through the base cantonment area on Sept. 22. At this time, the fire is controlled and fire teams are accomplishing mop-up actions. Civil engineers have returned natural gas supplies to housing and dormitories that had supplies turned off on Sept. 22 in effort to minimize the fire danger.
Vandenberg airmen will be sweeping, and in some areas scrubbing, air delivered fire retardant from buildings, pathways and sidewalks. Although the retardant is safe, it may cause minor skin irritation if contacted.
The 30th SW Commander has rescinded 6-Ring Standby and normal work schedules will resume Monday, Sept. 26, at 6 a.m. Additionally on Monday, South Vandenberg will reopen to normal access. Honda Ridge Road on South Base will remain closed until further notice.
Outdoor recreational activities are still restricted on South Vandenberg.
Long-term recovery efforts are in the planning stages and Vandenberg officials are confident that the installation will soon be postured to resume launch operations.
As we begin recovery below is the status of our FSS facilities for Saturday.
Base Exchange: normal hours
**Limited food service at food vendors in BX complex
Commissary: normal hours
Gas Station: normal hours
Shoppette: normal hours
Youth Soccer: Keeping regularly scheduled games Youth Center Open Rec: normal hours Instructional Gymnastics (YC): Regularly scheduled classes
Education Center: CLOSED on Saturday
Library: CLOSED on Saturday
Pacific Coast Club: Not open on Saturdays, will be open on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.-until last football game (normal hours)
Breakers: normal hours
Fitness Center Annex: OPEN (will be staffed during normal Sat fitness hours 8:00 a.m.-8 p.m.) Fitness Center: CLOSED
Pool: CLOSED
Auto Hobby Shop: normal hours
Outdoor Recreation: normal hours, Santa Barbara trip is a go
Bowling: normal hours
Rod & Gun Club: CLOSED FOR WEEKEND
Lodging: OPEN
For updates please check the Vandenberg AFB website at www.vandenberg.af.mil.