Gifford Fire Burns 65,000 Acres, Injures 3, Shuts California Highways

The Gifford Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire in Central California, has burned over 65,000 acres across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with only a small percentage contained despite efforts by more than 1,000 firefighters. The fire began as several smaller blazes along Highway 166 and quickly merged into a massive wildfire fueled by dry conditions, warm weather, and rugged terrain, causing significant firefighting challenges and prompting evacuation orders for residents in affected areas. Highway 166 remains closed between Interstate 101 and Perkins Road, with smoke from the fire impacting air quality in southern California counties including Los Angeles and Ventura. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities suspect it may have been ignited by a motorist’s vehicle sparks. At least three people have been injured, including one airlifted for burn injuries, and hundreds of structures are threatened by the blaze. Officials warn that incoming heat later in the week could worsen fire behavior and complicate containment efforts.