Graig MantleUp to three fires were burning Thursday along U.S. Highway 101 on the Cuesta Grade. The fires burned at least 75 acres and caused traffic backups well into San Luis Obispo as well as closure of the far right lane heading northbound.
Numerous fire engines and an air tanker worked to control the blazes, but as of press time, the fires’ progress was slowed but not contained.
The fire was first reported at 3:15 p.m. and motorists pulled over to try to put it out themselves, according to the California Highway Patrol.