Massive wildfire in central California threatens homes, injures 3 people as it burns out of control
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.
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Massive Wildfire in Central California Threatens Homes, Injures 3 People as It Burns out of Control
SANTA MARIA, Calif.—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.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Bear Gulch Fire Forces Level-3 Evacuations
A human-caused blaze that ignited near Lake Cushman on July 6 has grown into the Bear Gulch Fire, now estimated at approximately 4,500 acres with 3 percent containment as of Aug. 2. Washington State Patrol approved full resource mobilization as crews rushed to contain the blaze in one of the Pacific Northwest's busiest recreation corridors. 'Go Now' Orders and a Moving Fire Line The Mason County Sheriff's Office announced several Level 3 evacuation orders on July 31, covering the Dry Creek Trail area, Staircase Campground, and areas north of Lake Cushman. In their evacuation update, they warn, "Level 3 'GO' means: Evacuate Immediately. There is immediate danger—leave the area without delay." In addition to the Level 3 zones, they placed the area south of Dry Creek Trail under a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notice on Aug. 1. Authorities say, "Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Ensure your emergency kit, important documents, medications, and pets are ready. Stay informed through official updates and alerts." The Latest Firefighting Updates Authorities announced on Aug. 2 that "Cooler temperatures and higher humidities have moderated fire activity, however heavy, dry fuels are anticipated to contribute to fire growth on the west and southwestern flank of the fire today." In terms of the strategy, "Fire personnel are using the best available tools to contain this fire and will continue to install sprinkler systems around cabins and structures to wet down land west and south of the fire." Luckily, no structures have been affected by the blaze so far. As part of the operation, "crews may use fire to remove excess fuel (duff, and branches and small trees) between structures in the Copper Creek drainage. Northwest of the fire, crews are looking for natural features that can be used to stop the fire's northward progression and protect cultural and recreational values in Olympic National Park." Common but effective firefighting techniques that should help personnel get a handle on the little uncontained blaze. As part of the effort, firefighters are utilizing some of their bigger tools. "On the southern portion of Lake Cushman, crews are using boats to gain access to more remote sections to protect values at risk. Three helicopters are assigned to the fire to conduct bucket drops." Potential for Smoky Skies With fire comes smoke, which can be unhealthy or even hazardous if not taken seriously. The Washington Smoke Blog, which works with government and local officials to assess air quality and has real-time air quality updates. The Olympic National Park air-quality index (AQI) is at a "Good' rating. However, the good status can change anytime, so check before making any outdoor plans in the area. On July 31, the AQI was set to unhealthy as a result of the fires. Stay Smart, Stay Flexible Fire seasons are changing, and it is important to change with them. In a statement, "Robin Wills, a retired park service chief of Fire and Aviation for the Pacific West Region, told SFGATE in a call that large and dangerous wildfires are starting to burn across entire calendar years instead of during shorter, monthlong periods in specific regions." Before you lace up boots, search 'Olympic National Forest trail closures,' 'Lake Cushman smoke forecast,' or 'Stage 2 fire restrictions Washington' to make sure your game plan is still viable. Bottom line: The Bear Gulch Fire is rewriting the summer adventure script for Washington hikers, climbers, and campers. Respect the closures, heed evacuation notices, and remember that the peninsula's other forests, canyons, and shorelines still deliver the kind of wild weekend adventurers chase, no illegal campfires Gulch Fire Forces Level-3 Evacuations first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 3, 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Tuesday in Philadelphia will be warm as Canadian wildfire smoke blankets parts of region. Here's the forecast.
A touch of haze from Canadian wildfire smoke will continue to blanket much of the Philadelphia region, which will filter the sun and slightly limit afternoon warmth on Tuesday. That smoke will likely be with us for a few days as the winds favor bringing the smoke into our area. Those northerly winds, however, will keep our humidity levels moderately low for this time of year, so at least that's a bonus. Tuesday stays warm and dry, with highs near 90 and a bit more humidity under partly cloudy skies. Clouds will build Tuesday evening as moisture moves in on an onshore flow. By Wednesday, high pressure to our north keeps us mainly dry, but clouds increase from a system to our south. A few stray showers are possible late Wednesday into Thursday, mainly south and east of the city. Temperatures will dip into the upper 70s and low 80s on Thursday before rebounding into the mid-80s for Friday and the weekend. Other than a stray shower chance, mainly south of the city, we'll be on a fairly dry stretch to start August. The next chance of region-wide showers isn't until Sunday and Monday of next week, so enjoy some guilt-free rainless days. Tuesday: More clouds. High 89, Low 66. Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. High 80, Low 70. Thursday: Mostly sunny. High 81, Low 69. Friday: Mostly sunny. High 84, Low 65. Saturday: Sun and clouds. High 85, Low 65. Sunday: Shower possible. High 85, Low 68. Monday: Scattered showers. High 89, Low 72. NEXT Weather Radars Hourly Forecast
