The discovery of this unexploded military ordnance led to the evacuation of downtown Solvang Wednesday night

Much of downtown Solvang has been evacuated after the discovery of “a potentially explosive military ordnance” in the 1600 block of Copenhagen Drive at around 3:30 p.m. today, Sheriff’s officials said. A description of the device or details of its discovery were not provided.

The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad and Vandenberg Air Force Base’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team have responded to the scene and are investigating the ordnance.

Reverse 9-1-1 calls were initially made to 500-700 homes and businesses in the immediate area, but as of 8 p.m., more than 1,000 calls had been made ordering residents and visitors to vacate the area. Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team members are also going door-to-door with the order.

The evacuation area includes south of Laurel Avenue, west of Alisal Road, north of Birch Drive, and east of 5th Street, and the American Red Cross has set up a location for those who have been evacuated at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 1745 Mission Drive.

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