Atascadero Fire Shuts Down U.S. Highway 101

LATEST UPDATE

U.S. Highway 101 has reopened in the area of Del Rio Road, as of 3:44 p.m.

The fire, which began burning on the west side of the freeway near Del Rio Road in Atascadero, quickly jumped the freeway prompting the closure of Highway 101 in the area.

Initial fire crews were able to contain the fire burning on the west side of U.S. 101.

An abandoned structure next to El Camino Mini-Storage caught on fire, according to fire officials. That structure was heavily damaged.

Firefighters battled the fire on three fronts, and report that the fire has been kept at eight acres in size.

The Del Rio on and off ramps will be closed until mop up crews can clear the scene. Traffic was diverted around the area to Traffic Way.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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ORIGINAL STORY

Firefighters are battling a 6 to 7-acre brush fire just north of Atascadero Thursday afternoon. The blaze, which was reported just before 2 p.m. in the area of Del Rio Road and Ramona Road, has prompted the closure of U.S. Highway 101.

Heavy smoke cut down visibility for drivers on southbound U.S. 101 as the fire jumped to the northbound side of the freeway.

At least one structure is threatened at this time. There is no estimated time of when the freeway will be re-opened.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We will update this story when new information becomes available.