Massive California Wildfire Burns 100+ Square Miles, Injures Three

A massive wildfire known as the Gifford Fire is raging through Los Padres National Forest in central California, spanning over 100 square miles across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with just 3% containment. The fire originated from at least four smaller fires along State Route 166 and is threatening more than 450 structures, forcing evacuations and cattle removals, while injuring at least three people including a motorist and two firefighting contractors. Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze amidst hot, dry conditions and the threat of sundowner winds that could produce erratic gusts up to 25 mph, complicating containment efforts. Nearby, a smaller 10-acre vegetation fire was contained in San Luis Obispo County, and another two-acre brush fire is burning in San Diego County, highlighting the ongoing wildfire risk in the state. Air quality in Southern California is deteriorating due to smoke, with meteorologists warning of worsening fire behavior later in the week driven by increasing heat and dryness amid an early and active fire season. California officials emphasize the challenges of wildfire containment and the critical need for vigilance as multiple fires continue to threaten homes, infrastructure, and public safety.