120-acre brush fire near Whale Rock Reservoir prompts evacuation warnings

CAYUCOS, Calif. - Firefighters responded to a brush fire that broke out after a lightning strike off Old Creek Road north of Cayucos on Saturday, prompting road closures.

California Highway Patrol reported smoke in the area after a lightning strike around 11:03 a.m.

At around 3:15 p.m., CAL FIRE reported the blaze had burned about 120 acres and was moving toward Whale Rock Reservoir. It is 0% contained at this time.

Old Creek Road was closed at State Route 46 and Santa Rita Road just after 12 p.m. It is unclear when the road will be reopened.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents on Old Creek Road and Cottontail Creek Road. The SLO County Sheriff's Office said structures are being threatened by the fire. Residents in the area should be prepared to evacuate if the fire worsens.

This fire comes alongside many other small fires that popped up while a thunderstorm moved up the Central Coast Saturday morning. Similar lightning-induced fires were reported across Santa Barbara County earlier in the day.

CAL FIRE said they have been very busy with multiple 911 calls and lightning strikes within SLO County during the late morning.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.