Brush Fire Slows Highway 101 Traffic near El Capitán, Forward Progress Stopped

A small vegetation fire along northbound Highway 101 slowed traffic Thursday afternoon south of El Capitán State Beach, where crews halted the blaze at approximately half an acre with no injuries reported, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched around 4:26 p.m. and arrived to find a roughly 200-by-200-foot spot fire burning in light fuels under light wind conditions.

A rapid attack stopped the fire’s forward progress at about ½ acre.

In an update, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department stated the fire was likely caused by sparks generated after a pickup truck experienced a mechanical failure, resulting in the wheel separating and metal components contacting the roadway.

These sparks ignited dry roadside vegetation, leading to the fire.

As crews worked the scene, northbound Highway 101 was reduced to one lane in the area. Authorities urged motorists to proceed with caution, expect delays, and consider alternate routes if possible.

Santa Barbara County Fire and the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Barbara office coordinated the response.