1,200 homes, businesses evacuated near Lompoc as 700-acre fire grows

Mandatory evacuations were ordered Tuesday for 1,200 homes and businesses near Lompoc, Calif., as a wind-driven brush fire swelled to 700 acres.

Residents in the San Miguelito Canyon area were asked to evacuate as their homes were threatened by flames moving rapidly toward Lompoc, said Capt. David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The fire was reported about 1:34 p.m. in the 2500 block of Miguelito Canyon Road. Fire strike teams and helicopters were used to battle the blaze in 15 mph winds.

County firefighters ordered eight air tankers for additional support.

Evacuation centers were set up at Lompoc High School at 515 W. College Ave. Residents with medical needs were urged to go the Trinity Church of Nazarene at 500 E. North Ave.