Traffic diverted in Santa Barbara County
BUELLTON, Calif. (AP) — California authorities closed U.S. 101 in Santa Barbara County on Tuesday after a brush fire jumped the highway.
The blaze was reported around 1:15 p.m. along the southbound side of the 101 near Buellton, according to KEYT-TV.
Smoke from the fire limited visibility for drivers, prompting the California Highway Patrol to shut multiple lanes. Shortly after 1:30 p.m. all lanes were closed when flames spread to the northbound side about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of downtown Santa Barbara.
Traffic was diverted onto State Route 154 and local roads.
The fire quickly consumed more than 2 acres (0.81 hectares) of dry brush.
Temperatures in the area were in the 80s (more than 27 Celsius), with light wind.
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