Gifford Fire in California's Central Coast reaches "mega fire" status, burns more than 119,000 acres
As of Monday afternoon, the blaze has reached 119,214 acres and is 33% contained as more than 4,000 firefighters continue battling flames, according to Cal Fire. The fire burning in the rugged Garcia Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest and is threatening nearly 3,000 structures.
The California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (CIIMT 5) says the fire is moving north and northwest toward the Huasna Valley and communities including Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita and Carrizo Plains. Overnight, the fire crossed containment lines in the northeast, just south of Machesna Wilderness.
The CIIMT 5 says crews will continue to reinforce lines along Avenales Ranch Road, the Salinas River bed, Hi Mountain Road, Caldwell Trout Creek, and the Huasna River. They are also "preparing to launch a 36-hour strategic firing operation," which is set to begin in the evening.
Ground and aerial crews hope to reduce vegetation ahead of the main fire. Incident meteorologists will also be monitoring conditions to help provide spot weather forecasts.
The fire erupted on Aug. 1 around 3:44 p.m. on Highway 166 near Gifford Trailhead. Firefighters from Los Padres quickly responded to separate fires along the north side of the highway and, within 15 minutes, mapped over 800 acres.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
After burning more than 119,000 acres, the Gifford Fire has reached "mega fire" status.
A "mega fire" is defined as a wildfire that burns more than 100,000 acres of land, according to the U.S. Interagency Fire Center.
The Gifford Fire has become the largest wildfire in California in 2025, according to Cal Fire.
After the Gifford Fire broke out, officials quickly issued evacuation orders and warnings, which were later expanded.
Officials urge residents who live within evacuation warning zones to be prepared to leave their homes at a moment's notice, if conditions worsen. Individuals who need extra time to evacuate, such as people with disabilities or those with large animals, should leave immediately.
An evacuation center has been established at the New Life Student Center at 941 N. Oak Park Way, Pismo Beach. The American Red Cross is working to provide assistance to those impacted by the fire. They can be reached at 805-678-3073.
Several animal shelters have also been established for small and large animals.
For large animals:
Small/domestic animals, the following locations are available:
San Luis Obispo County:
SLO County Animal Services - 875 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo; Please call (805) 781- 4800 for assistance and in advance of arrival so staff can prepare.
Santa Barbara County:
Several roads remain closed as crews continue to battle the fire and try to increase containment.
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