Hikers Sought In Possible Connection With Wildfire Near Lompoc

LOMPOC (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters Tuesday continued their efforts to contain a vegetation fire that erupted in Santa Barbara County.

Around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, a vegetation fire was reported in the 1500 block of Burton Mesa. By 6 p.m., authorities reported about 1,200 people were evacuated from surrounding areas after the fire spread across nearly 300 acres.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, all mandatory evacuations were lifted this morning. Shortly before 7 a.m., crews reported the fire had spread to 320 acres and was 75 percent contained.

Officials said they are looking for information regarding one to two people -- most likely juveniles -- that were hiking on a trail behind the water treatment plant at the time of the fire. They could possibly be linked to the incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Fire tip line at (805) 686-5074.