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

Wildfire out near Reagan Ranch near Santa Barbara

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Authorities say a brush fire near the California ranch of former President Ronald Reagan has been knocked down after burning 10 acres and sending thick smoke over mountains north of Santa Barbara.

U.S. Forest Service spokesman Eric Garcia says firefighters using water-dropping helicopters fully surrounded the blaze in about four hours Saturday.

Garcia says fire officials downgraded an earlier estimate that 30 acres had burned. No evacuations were ordered.

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

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

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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.