AROMAS >> A wildfire burning east of the San Benito County town of Aromas had grown to more than 100 acres by Friday morning 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 were collectively being called the Anzar Fire. Cal Fire reported just after 7 p.m. that the fire had grown to 86 acres and that it was sending a strike team to help battle the blaze.

By Friday morning, the size of the fire reached 101 acres, but containment also grew to about 25%, according to Cal Fire.

A spokesperson said around midday that containment had increased to 50%.

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, and Hollister Animal Services and the Sheriffs Search and Rescue are helping to evacuate residents and their pets.

Because of the fire, the southbound offramp of 101 was closed, with no estimate on when it will reopen, and southbound traffic was moving slowly, Caltrans said.