Fire breaks out along Highway 101 in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Smoke billowed from a tree that caught fire on the side of Highway 101 near the Milpas Street onramp Thursday evening.

The fire began around 5:30 p.m.

A fire engine that was out in service was the first on scene after spotting a glow in the air. Additional engines were called to respond due to the fire's proximity to a large structure.

Firefighters were able to knock down the main body of the fire in about ten minutes.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Fire officials said there was a medium-sized homeless encampment near the the fire, but it's too early to determine if the fire is connected to the encampment.

An ambulance was called to the scene but no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Traffic was down to two lanes on the northbound side of Highway 101 while firefighters were on scene.