A view of the Vandenberg Fire Sept. 30, 2009
Santa Barbara County Fire Dept.

The Pine Canyon Fire, which started at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Vandenberg Middle School – not far from the base’s main gate – yesterday just before noon, is currently 80 percent contained according to base officials. The fire has burned approximately 450 acres, but Fire Incident Command expects the blaze to be fully contained by the end of the day. Although nonessential personnel have been advised not to come in to work today, no injuries or building damage have been reported. Vandenberg authorities are encouraging base residents and essential personnel to limit outdoor exposure, as air quality has likely degraded due to the fire.

Yesterday, 10 aircraft, six dozers, and 20 engines were dedicated to the blaze, which increased rapidly under sustained northeast winds of 30 miles per hour with gusts reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour. Winds are comparatively slack today, and Vandenberg’s Public Affairs Office reported that there is significantly less fire-related air traffic this morning.

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