Crews struggle to contain massive California wildfire that's injured 3 people
The Gifford Fire spans more than 100 square miles (259 square km) of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with just 3 percent containment, according to a Monday incident update.
The blaze grew out of several smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. More than 450 structures are under threat.
One resident was hospitalized with burn injuries and two contract employees assisting firefighters were hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned, authorities said.
More than 1,000 firefighters working in hot and dry conditions are scrambling to make progress against the flames before so-called sundowner winds whip up around dusk. The National Weather Service says erratic afternoon gusts could reach 25 mph (40 kph) in the fire area.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
8 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Frequent disasters expose climate risks to infrastructure in South Asia
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Floods that damaged hydropower dams in Nepal and destroyed the main bridge connecting the country to China show the vulnerability of infrastructure and need for smart rebuilding in a region bearing the brunt of a warming planet, experts say. The flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on July 8 also killed nine people and damaged an inland container depot that was being built to support increasing trade between the two countries. The 10 damaged hydropower facilities, including three under construction, have a combined capacity that could power 600,000 South Asian homes.
Toronto Star
10 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Massive wildfire in central California threatens homes, injures 3 people as it burns out of control
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) — A massive wildfire on Monday was threatening hundreds of homes in central California after injuring at least three people as it tore through Los Padres National Forest. The Gifford Fire scorched more than 100 square miles (260 square km) of coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and was still burning out of control, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.
Toronto Star
13 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Tropical Storm Henriette forms in the Pacific while Tropical Storm Dexter churns in the Atlantic
MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Henriette formed Monday in the Pacific Ocean, the National Hurricane Center said. Henriette was centered 895 miles (1,440 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, according to the Miami-based hurricane center. The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph).
