SANTA MARIA, Calif. — A rapidly spreading wildfire known as the Gifford Fire is currently ravaging central California, threatening nearly 450 structures and injuring at least three people as it burns out of control across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
The fire ignited last Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield but exploded over the weekend, surging to more than 65,000 acres as of August 4. By Monday, it had scorched over 100 square miles (260 square kilometers) of the Los Padres National Forest, with firefighting crews reporting only 3% containment.
According to Cal Fire and U.S. Forest Service officials, the Gifford Fire is fueled by hot, dry conditions and rugged terrain, making firefighting efforts difficult. Over 1,000 personnel are currently battling the blaze, which displays erratic fire behavior especially expected to worsen with forecasted heat later in the week. State Route 166 has been closed in both directions east of Santa Maria to ensure public safety.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, Flemming Bertelson, explained that the fire originated from at least four separate smaller fires that merged and fan out in multiple directions, rapidly consuming chaparral, brushland, and steep slopes. The region’s characteristic California live oaks and sycamore trees provide abundant fuel, and the area is also known for its agricultural lands and vineyards.
Three injuries have been reported so far: a motorist sustained burn injuries after abandoning his vehicle amid the flames, while two contract employees assisting firefighting efforts were hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned. All are receiving medical care.
Local ranchers have begun evacuating cattle as air tankers and helicopters conduct water drops on the advancing fire lines. Smoke from the fire is impacting air quality not only in the immediate vicinity but also in surrounding counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern.
Officials warn that warming weather and possible gusty winds in the coming days could intensify fire activity and complicate suppression efforts. The causes of the initial fires remain under investigation.
Authorities continue to urge residents in threatened areas to stay alert for evacuation orders and prepare accordingly. Fire crews remain vigilant despite the many challenges posed by the fire’s spread through inaccessible and steep terrain under hot, dry conditions.