Gifford Fire Burns 72,000 Acres, Evacuations in California

The Gifford Fire in central California has rapidly grown to over 72,460 acres, with containment at just 7%, and is actively burning on both sides of Highway 166, primarily in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. More than 1,900 personnel are battling the blaze, which has prompted evacuation orders and warnings for multiple zones, with temporary evacuation centers established for residents and animal shelters available. The fire has caused three injuries, including a civilian with serious burns and two contractors injured in a vehicle accident. The wildfire is burning through rugged, brush-filled terrain in Los Padres National Forest and threatening about 460 structures. Air quality alerts remain in effect due to smoke, and officials advise vulnerable populations to limit outdoor exposure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the fire is located just west of the recently contained Madre Fire, which burned over 80,000 acres.