Canyon Fire reaches 60% containment, Highway 166 open
NIPOMO, Calif. – Highway 166 East was temporarily closed in both directions due to a 16-acre brush fire that broke out just outside of Nipomo on Friday afternoon, according to Cal Fire San Luis Obispo.
Cal Fire said there is 60% containment of the grass fire as of 5:15 p.m., but firefighters are effectively slowing the fire's rate of progression. Highway 166 reopened around 2:40 p.m. after being closed for just over an hour, according to CalTrans.
UPDATE WILDLAND FIRE: Firefighters at scene with #CanyonIC South East of Nipomo off HWY 166 and Bull Canyon Rd. Currently 16 acres of grass, 10% containment firefighters effectively stopped the rate of progression. #CanyonFire22 cause is under investigation. #CountyofSlo pic.twitter.com/e592eXQ24o
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) June 17, 2022
The fire, deemed the Canyon Incident by Cal Fire, was first reported just after 12:20 p.m. on Friday at Highway 166 and Bull Canyon Road.
The California Highway Patrol reported that power lines were in the direct line of fire and that PG&E was being notified.
The fire broke out near an avocado orchard, and there were "numerous fire vehicles" in the area, according to the CHP.
No structures were threatened, Cal Fire confirmed to News Channel 3-12.
Teams had to shut down the highway as the fire started to cross into the roadway, according to the CHP.
Crews will be getting support from air tankers dropping water, according to the CHP.
This is a developing story, check back with News Channel 3-12 for updates.
