Alisal Fire in California shuts down Highway 101, prompts evacuations in Santa Barbara County

The Alisal Fire in Southern California has already exploded to about 6,000 acres.

Wildfires wreaking havoc in several West Coast regions are expected to burn throughout the night as dangerous conditions may further increase their spread.

The Alisal Fire in Southern California already had exploded to about 6,000 acres after sparking near the Alisal Reservoir on Monday around 2:30 p.m., at which point it was 0% contained.

Strong northwest winds pushed the fire south of the summit, crossing Highway 101 to Tajiguas Beach, according to fire officials. The origin of the blaze is not yet known.

The fire prompted evacuations in Santa Barbara County and the closure of Highway 101 from Las Cruces to Goleta. Closures of the 101, the only major highway in the region, have caused congestion on the nearby State Road 154 and Interstate 5, according to the California Highway Patrol.