Car Fire Closes Highway 1 near Aptos

Incident prompts traffic delays on Friday night

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A car fire closed the right lane of southbound Highway 1 at State Park Drive near Aptos in Santa Cruz County on Friday evening, February 20. California Highway Patrol responded to the area around 9:00 p.m., and the right lane was closed while crews worked to clear the scene. All lanes had reopened by 10:45 p.m.

Why it matters

Highway 1 is a major thoroughfare along the California coast, and any closures can cause significant traffic delays, especially on a Friday night. This incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and clearing procedures to minimize disruptions to travel.

The details

California Highway Patrol in Santa Cruz responded to the car fire on southbound Highway 1 at State Park Drive around 9:00 p.m. The right lane was closed while crews worked to extinguish the fire and clear the scene. By 10:45 p.m., all lanes had reopened, according to an update from the agency.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026 around 9:00 p.m.
  • The right lane was closed while crews responded.
  • All lanes had reopened by 10:45 p.m. the same night.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the car fire and managed the lane closure on Highway 1.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and efficient travel on major highways, especially during peak travel times. Prompt emergency response and clearing procedures are critical to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safety of both motorists and first responders.