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Fire in Santa Maria Riverbed now contained after burning 13 acres

Posted at 5:25 PM, Sep 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-22 01:40:42-04
'River' fire impacts drivers on Southbound 101 near Santa Maria

UPDATE (7:17 p.m.): All lanes of Highway 101 are now open after it was shutdown so fire crews could access a fire in the Santa Maria Riverbed.

A spokesperson for CalFire SLO says the fire was contained at 6:18 p.m. after burning 13 acres.

As of 7:17 p.m., CalFire SLO says about 25 firefighters, 7 engines, 1 water tender and 1 dozer remain on scene mopping up.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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ORIGINAL STORY (5:25 p.m.) - CAL FIRE SLO says crews are responding to reports of a fire in the Santa Maria riverbed.

The River Fire is burning 4 to 5 acres near Highway 101.

Lanes in both directions are shut down at the river bridge.

CHP is redirecting northbound 101 traffic to get off at the Broadway exit.

Southbound traffic is being diverted to exit at the SR-166/Maricopa exit.

It is unclear when the highway will reopen. No alternate routes are assigned at this time.

This is a developing story, check back for details.