Multiple grass fires shut down SLO County highway overnight

Cal Fire responded to several vegetation fires that sparked off Highway 166 in San Luis Obispo County, with one reaching 12 acres on Tuesday night.

Three vegetation fires off the roadside of Highway 166 near Alamo Creek Road were reported under 1 acre at 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, Cal Fire posted on X.

At 10:53 p.m., one of the fires grew to 10 acres, spreading quickly up the hill along Highway 166.

The fire grew to 12 acres by 12:38 a.m., with potential to grow to 50 acres, Cal Fire updated on X. Cal Fire crews made progress on hoselays and dozers made access to the fire.

Caltrans fully closed Highway 166 from Santa Maria to Perkins Road in New Cuyama, the organization announced on X at 7:10 a.m.

All lanes of Highway 166 reopened at 8:14 a.m.

Two of the other vegetation fires remained small, Cal Fire public information officer Ryan Grebe told The Tribune Wednesday morning.

The 12-acre vegetation fire was 100% contained, Grebe said and the cause of the fires was under investigation.