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.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
#RiverFire @CALFIRE_SLO @SMFDHQ @SBCFIRE at scene Santa Maria River 4 to 5 acres units committed for several hours no Evacuations.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) September 22, 2019
This is a developing story, check back for details.
