Gifford Fire Burns 82,000 Acres Sparks Mandatory Evacuations California

The Gifford Fire in Southern California has scorched over 82,000 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, prompting mandatory evacuations and threatening nearly 900 structures. The fire, which began near Highway 166 as several smaller fires merged, is currently 7% contained with more than 1,000 firefighters and additional aircraft deployed to combat the blaze. Injuries have been reported, and evacuation shelters and animal evacuation resources are available for affected residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but its proximity to a highway suggests human activity may be responsible. This fire is now the largest in California for 2025, contributing to a year already on pace to exceed previous years' wildfire acreage, driven largely by significant fires across Central and Southern California. Officials warn of continuing above-normal fire activity through the summer due to heat and dry conditions despite a relatively slow start in Northern California.