Fire breaks out off Highway 101 near Los Olivos, northbound lanes closed

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. - The northbound lanes of Highway 101 just north of Highway 154 were closed after a brush fire broke out next to the freeway near Los Olivos.

Santa Barbara County firefighters received reports of the brush fire around 12:51 p.m. Friday afternoon and a normal vegetation response was dispatched to the scene.

The first arriving engine company reported finding a fire in the center divider of the freeway. However, after being on scene for three to five minutes, the flames jumped the northbound side of the freeway and a second alarm vegetation response was called.

Firefighters immediately placed hose lines on the ground to knock back the fire.

Forward progress was stopped around 15 acres. County Fire said the burn had the potential to grow up to 100 acres.

All air attack and incoming resources were released from the scene. Firefighters will remain on scene to mop up for some time.

CHP is working with Caltrans to divert traffic onto Hwy 154 while the northbound lanes of Hwy 101 are closed. CHP hopes to have one northbound lane open within the hour.

Northbound lanes of the 101 are also closed at State Route 246 in Buellton. Traffic is being diverted onto westbound 246 to northbound Highway 1.

No injuries have been reported and no structures were threatened or damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

NewsChannel 12 is on their way to the scene.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.