‘Hwy 101 is open!’ Road reopens though nearby wildfire continues to burn
Weary travelers can rejoice: Highway 101 from Gaviota to Santa Barbara is once again open, though the wildfire that prompted its closure continues to rage nearby.
CHP announced the road was reopening Thursday evening after a three-day closure due to the Alisal Fire burning below the Santa Ynez Mountains.
“Hwy 101 is open!” the agency tweeted Thursday night. “The CHP appreciates your understanding and patience with the roadway closure the past few days as emergency crews fight the Alisal Fire. “
According to CHP, the Alisal Fire still remains active and motorists are asked to “remain vigilant of emergency crews working along the highway.”
The Alisal Fire broke out Monday afternoon, quickly burning a path down the mountainside toward the highway before jumping the road and continuing to burn near Refugio State Beach.
As of Thursday morning, the fire has burned an estimated 16,801 acres and is only 5% contained.
Hundreds have been under evacuation orders in the burn zone as firefighters attempt to battle the blaze and windy weather conditions.
This story was originally published October 14, 2021 at 6:37 PM with the headline "‘Hwy 101 is open!’ Road reopens though nearby wildfire continues to burn."
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