Crews stop forward progress of Gifford Fire off of Highway 166 at 50 acres, now fully contained
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Fire is responding to a vegetation fire along the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County line near Brown Canyon off of Highway 166.
According to the Los Padres National Forest, the fire has been completely contained as of 8:30 p.m. Friday evening.
The #GiffordFire is 100% contained at 8:30 pm
— Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) May 20, 2023
County Fire said crews stopped forward progress of the fire at around 50 acres as of 5:45 p.m.
As of 5:00 p.m., the Gifford Fire was burning in grass with a low-medium rate of speed two miles east of Rock Front Ranch, according to the Los Padres National Forest.
At 5:25 p.m., Caltrans said the eastbound lanes of Highway 166 are closed at South Thompson Road in San Luis Obispo County, and expects the closure to lift within about an hour.
The westbound lanes remain open, according to Caltrans.
According to California Highway Patrol, a pilot cruiser was previously leading groups of drivers on alternating sides.
The fire was initially reported around 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon.
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