Highway 166 reopens east of Santa Maria after closing for brush fires

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A brush fire east of Santa Maria caused a complete shutdown of Highway 166 on Monday. The highway was scheduled to reopen around 10 p.m., but opened ahead of schedule at around 8:30 p.m.

The fire was first reported around 11:15 a.m. east of Twitchell Dam Road on the right side of the highway.

Two spot fires were reported in the area, forcing the closure of the highway in both directions between Highway 101 and Perkins Road.

At around 2:35 p.m., CAL FIRE reported that one of the roadside fires was contained to half an acre while the second was only 20% contained at five acres in size.

They said the second larger fire was burning brush on a steep hillside, however, forward progress was stopped.

By 6:10 p.m., crews said the first fire was contained at one acre while the second fire was 50% contained still burning at five acres.

#TwitchellIC (UPDATE) Fire is 50% contained. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight and there will be a day shift. Expect delays over HWY 166. pic.twitter.com/Pdhq7k5W4x

— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) May 11, 2021

Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo and Los Padres National Forest fire services responded to assist in the battle.

Crews expect to remain on scene overnight.

Caltrans District 5 reported the closure and urged drivers to find an alternate route. CHP suggested taking the 101 freeway or Highway 58 as a detour.

State Route 166 East in Santa Barbara County is now fully open following a brush fire earlier today.@CaltransD5 https://t.co/3LbBe8so71 https://t.co/1avcN63a8P

— Jim Shivers (@PIOJimShivers) May 11, 2021

However, the freeway was reopened by 8:30 p.m.