UPDATE (11:30 p.m.) Cal Trans posted on Twitter that all lanes of northbound Highway 101 along the Cuesta Grade are now open.
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UPDATE (10:30 p.m.) California Highway Patrol confirmed one lane remains closed northbound Cuesta Grade. The agency is planning to reopen all lanes around 11 P.M. According to CAL FIRE, a vehicle burst into flames due to a mechanical failure.
“It was a solo driver, it appears to be a mechanical failure, said Battalion Chief Paul Provence. “We are still investigating, the driver is okay, they were helped from the scene to get away from the fire so they got to a safe location and we were able to locate them and interview them.”
Firefighters are expected to stay overnight to control the blaze.
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UPDATE (7:30 p.m.): Fire officials say the brush fire is now 50 percent contained and crews are expected to continue fighting it overnight.
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A vehicle on the Cuesta Grade caught fire and spread to the hillside on the northbound side of the highway at Mount Lowe Road.
The cause of the vehicle fire is currently unknown. The brush fire has grown to 15-acres in size, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire was first reported around 5:02 p.m. Cuesta Air Attack helicopters were on the scene to help fight the blaze.
Officials say the fire has a potential of growing to 100 acres. No structures are currently threatened.
Fire officials say to expect traffic delays and watch for firefighting equipment and firefighters near the roadway.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
