AROMAS — A wildfire burning east of the San Benito County town of Aromas had grown to nearly 100 acres by early Thursday evening and prompted evacuations near U.S. Highway 101.
Two separate fires began around 3:20 pm, about a quarter-mile apart from each other along Anzar Road, near Forest Road, but are collectively being called the Anzar Fire. Cal Fire reported just after 7 p.m. that the fire had grown to 86 acres, with 0% containment, and that it was sending a strike team to help battle the blaze.
OES Intel 12 on the #AnzarFire BEU. Fire is mapped at 83 acres at 17:19 hours. pic.twitter.com/bHvxdBDzTX
— FIRIS (@FIRIS) July 22, 2022
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said it was evacuating areas around 101, State Route 129,
Anzar Road, Searle Road, School Road and Forest Road. Evacuees are being directed to Anzar High School, while Hollister Animal Services and the Sheriffs Search and Rescue are helping to evacuate residents and their pets.
Due to the fire, the southbound off-ramp of 101 has been closed, with no estimate on when it will reopen, while southbound traffic is moving slowly, Caltrans said.Source: www.mercurynews.com