Assistant Chief Gene Cooper – Vandenberg AFB, California

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Assistant Chief Gene Cooper – Vandenberg AFB, California

Assistant Chief Gene Cooper – Vandenberg AFB, California

December 20, 1977
Honda Canyon Fire - Vandenberg AFB, California

Around 0700 a downed power line started a fire on Vandenburg Air Force Base. Fire and Military personnel from the base, and Santa Barbara County Resources responded. The fire was driven by Santa Ana winds, and made a major run around 0930 hrs towards crews working in Honda Canyon. Joseph Turner, Billy Bell, and Eugene Cooper tried to escape, but were entrapped on Avery Road; all 3 were found deceased at 1200. Clarence McCauley was operating a bulldozer on Target Ridge Road, he was badly burned and died 2 weeks later.

https://wlfalwaysremember.net/1977/12/20/honda-canyon/

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