UPDATE (1 p.m.) – As of 1 p.m., one lane of traffic was open. Drivers were asked to use caution if traveling on Highway 166 between highways 101 and 33.
Work continues on Hwy. 166. A single lane of traffic is open. Please utilize caution if traveling on 166 between 101 and 33. CHP and CAL Trans at scene. pic.twitter.com/CRGWLX6vfN
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
UPDATE (11:45 a.m.) – As of 11:30 a.m., fire crews remained at the scene, working to fully extinguish the contents of the truck that burned Monday morning.
Pine IC (final) Crews work to overhaul the contents of the commercial vehicle on Hwy. 166. East of Santa Maria. pic.twitter.com/ZsQ77xitfi
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
UPDATE (9:25 a.m.) – Firefighters have stopped a small brush fire burning along Highway 166. Crews will stay on-scene for some time to monitor the area.
Pine IC (update) Forward progress of vegetation fire stopped. Tankers being cancelled. Heavy overhaul will be required on commercial vehicle.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
(9:21 a.m.) – Firefighters and CHP officers are responding to a vehicle fire that spread to nearby brush east of Santa Maria Monday morning.
Cal Fire SLO officials say a commercial vehicle fire was reported at about 8:45 am. on the north side of Highway 166 near Rinconada Ranch. It’s unclear what kind of commercial vehicle caught fire or why at this time.
Pine IC (Initial) Units enroute to reported commercial vehicle fire with extension to vegetation on Hwy. 166 near Pine Canyon Road. East of Santa Maria.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
Cal Fire SLO spokesperson Clint Bullard said the fire is burning about 10-12 miles east of the city of Santa Maria.
A Los Padres National Forest engine was the first on-scene and reported the vehicle was engulfed in fire and flames had jumped to vegetation, burning about a half acre.
Pine IC (update) Units gaining access. CHP units in the area reporting the fire being near Rinconada Ranch off Hwy. 166 East of Santa Maria.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
As of 9:15 a.m., there are no road closures in the area but drivers are asked to yield to emergency vehicles and avoid the area if possible.
Pine IC (update) USFS LPF Engine 335 at scene. Commercial vehicle well involved with approx. 1/2 acre vegetation. North side of Hwy. 166.
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) November 12, 2018
