A fire burning along Highway 101 near Buellton in the Santa Ynez Valley on Thursday afternoon led to a lane closure in the area, but was quickly corralled. 

Shortly after 3 p.m., personnel from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department began responding to the incident on the side of southbound Highway 101 near the Highway 154 offramp. 

Firefighters estimated the fire had blackened 1 to 2 acres, but said it had the potential to grow to 10 to 20 acres according to emergency dispatch reports.

Shortly after 3:30 p.m., the fire was declared fully contained, said fire Capt. Scott Safechuck.

The blaze initially was spreading at a moderate rate and approaching thicker vegetation.

Aircraft, including tankers and a Santa Barbara County helicopter, along with bulldozer operators, also were dispatched to assist in fighting the fire.

There were reports the flames had spread into the center divider, but firefighters quickly extinguished them. 

Heavy smoke was reported on both side of the highway.

One southbound lane of the highway was closed in the area due to the firefighting activity. 

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Thursday afternoon, but law enforcement officers were talking to a person walking away from the scene who reportedly had soot on his  hands, according to emergency dispatch reports.