[Update 7:45 p.m.] According to California Highway Patrol’s traffic incident page, fire flares up when fire crews use water. There have been no evacuations, but authorities are keeping vehicles from proceeding northbound.
[Original Story] A fire reported early Saturday evening beneath a bridge along the northbound Highway 101 has closed down the freeway, with northbound traffic being diverted at Bailard Avenue.
The fire was first reported at 5:55 p.m. along the 5700 block of Via Real in Carpinteria, according to Montecito Fire, which is assisting the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department at the scene.
California Highway Patrol reports that the fire is believed to be coming from a manhole cover, though other reports indicate it could possibly be coming from a gas pipe.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.