300-Acre Brush Fire Near Lompoc 55 Percent Contained

LOMPOC (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters were starting to get the upperhand on a 300-acre brush fire near Lompoc Monday evening.

A vegetation fire was reported in the 1500 block of Burton Mesa around 1:30 p.m. and had grown to nearly 300 acres by 6 p.m., prompting authorities to evacuate approximately 1,200 people in surrounding areas.

"I grabbed all of our important papers, laptops and animals," Lompoc resident Jim Davis said.

Fire officials say the blaze remained 55 percent contained around 10 p.m.

Earlier threats to the historic La Purisima Mission were also at bay. The Mission was founded in 1787 and now operates as a tourist attraction and historical center. Roads leading to the area were closed earlier in the day.

A crew of approximately 200 was expected to remain on the scene to continue the firefight through the evening.

It was not immediately clear how the fire was started.