Van Fire on Cuesta Grade Causes Lane Closures and Traffic Delays on Highway 101

A van caught fire late Monday morning on the northbound side of the Cuesta Grade, slowing traffic for drivers heading over the summit, according to the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department (Cal Fire SLO).

Firefighters arrived to find the van fully engulfed. Flames also spread into a small patch of nearby vegetation, burning about 0.16 acres before crews contained both the vehicle and vegetation fires.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver managed to escape without injury, KSBY reported.

Traffic Impacts

Northbound Highway 101’s #2 and #3 lanes were temporarily closed while firefighters worked the scene. The #2 lane later reopened, but traffic remained slow as crews finished their response, according to KSBY.

Cal Fire SLO asked drivers to slow down, use caution, or avoid the northbound grade if possible until the scene was cleared. Traffic was expected to improve once cleanup was completed.

Vehicle Fire – Cuesta Grade (NB 101)
Around 11:00 AM, crews responded to a van fully involved on the northbound Cuesta Grade summit. There is minor spread to the vegetation (0.16 acres).

Traffic Alert: Expect significant delays. Units will be committed for the next hour. Please…

— San Luis Obispo County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_SLO) December 8, 2025

A previous vegetation fire was reported off the Cuesta Grade on October 27 on private land near Mount Lowe Road, Edhat reported in October 2025. Cal Fire SLO said it began from an escaped burn pile and was held to 0.15 acres before full containment later that morning.

Safety Measures During Vehicle Fire

Electric vehicle (EV) fires differ from traditional gas-powered vehicle fires. Gasoline vehicle fires can often be extinguished quickly, while EV fires may burn longer because of lithium-ion batteries, according to information published by the Peterson Law Office.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends several safety steps for EV owners, including installing a dedicated Level II charging circuit, using certified equipment, following manufacturer guidelines, avoiding extension cords, maintaining components, and keeping charging systems away from children and water sources.

The U.S. Fire Administration also urges drivers to act quickly if a vehicle fire occurs: pull over immediately, turn on hazard lights, shut off the engine, avoid opening the hood or trunk, move at least 100 feet away, call 911, and do not return for personal items.

Common causes of vehicle fires include engine overheating, coolant leaks, electrical failures, and rodent-damaged wiring. Hot catalytic converters can ignite dry vegetation, and leaking oil or fuel that contacts heated engine parts can also start fires, according to the Peterson Law Office.

Drivers can reduce the risk of vehicle fires by staying updated on vehicle recalls, avoiding leaving lithium-ion devices in hot cars, and scheduling regular maintenance to check for leaks, wiring issues, or other hazards, the Peterson Law Office notes.