A vegetation fire broke out east of Orcutt on Friday afternoon, with at least one house threatened by the flames. 

Shortly after 3 p.m., Santa Barbara County Fire Department personnel responded to the incident near the 5700 and 5800 blocks of Telephone Road, said fire Capt. Scott Safechuck.

The fire was burning near a vineyard and roads with multiple homes in the rural area. 

A large column of gray smoke rose above the area as the flames spread at a moderate rate.

Incident commanders initially estimated the fire’s size at 5 to 7 acres, with the potential to expand to 10 to 15 acres.

Forward progress of the flames was stopped at 3:40 p.m., Safechuck said.

“Resources will remain on scene mopping-up hot spots and improving containment lines,” Safechuck added, noting that power lines were reported down in the area.

Aircraft, including a helicopter and tankers, were dispatched to assist firefighters on the ground.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation. 

Check back with Noozhawk for updates to this story.