Wildfire burns near Ronald Reagan’s former ranch in mountains north of Santa Barbara

Wildfire near Reagan Ranch north of Santa Barbara

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Authorities say a brush fire near the California ranch of former President Ronald Reagan has consumed 30 acres and sent thick smoke over mountains north of Santa Barbara.

U.S. Forest Service officials say firefighters and water-dropping helicopters have been making good progress on the blaze that started shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday.

Forest Service spokesman Andrew Madsen tells the Santa Maria Times that officials are hoping to stop the fire at about 50 acres. No evacuations have been ordered.

The blaze is about a quarter-mile from Rancho Del Cielo, Reagan’s West Coast home while he was president and now a historical center owned by Young America’s Foundation.

Center director Andrew Coffin says smoke that loomed over the house earlier has dissipated.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a brush fire near the California ranch of former President Ronald Reagan has consumed 30 acres and sent thick smoke over mountains north of Santa Barbara.

U.S. Forest Service officials say firefighters and water-dropping helicopters have been making good progress on the blaze that started shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday.

Forest Service spokesman Andrew Madsen tells the Santa Maria Times that officials are hoping to stop the fire at about 50 acres. No evacuations have been ordered.

The blaze is about a quarter-mile from Rancho Del Cielo, Reagan’s West Coast home while he was president and now a historical center owned by Young America’s Foundation.

Center director Andrew Coffin says smoke that loomed over the house earlier has dissipated.