Massive fire, east of Santa Maria, closes Highway 166

A brush fire near Highway 166 and Twitchell Reservoir, east of Santa Maria, has consumed more than 6,000 acres, closing the highway and leading to some evacuations, authorities said Saturday morning.

The fire, dubbed the Alamo Fire, started Thursday afternoon but grew rapidly with high heat on Friday. The fire, according to Cal Fire, is now 10 percent contained. Highway 166 is closed between New Cuyama and Santa Maria, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Firefighters from around the state are now converging on the fire, which is now mostly in San Luis Obispo County. Cal Fire, along with Santa Barbara County Fire, is leading the fight.

Near Kernville, firefighters continue to battle the Schaeffer Fire, which has grown to more than 12,000 acres and is just 10 percent contained. That fire was caused by lightning.