04-08-2025
Gifford Fire Updates: 3 Injured, 450 Homes At Risk As Blaze Engulfs 100 Square Miles
At least three people have been injured and hundreds of homes and businesses are at risk in California as a massive wildfire spreads across the Los Padres National Forest.
The Gifford Fire has expanded quickly to engulf more than 100 square miles, or 65,000 acres, of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, according to the Associated Press.
More than 450 structures are under threat but as of Monday morning, local time, it is just 3 percent contained.
What To Know
The Gifford Fire began on Friday, erupting from a number of smaller fires along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield.
The National Weather Service has forecast "elevated fire weather" with hot, dry weather and wind gusts of up to 25 mph in the fire zone.
CalFire posted on its website an evacuation order labeling the fire an "immediate threat to life," stressing that the evacuation is "a lawful order to LEAVE NOW."
At least 1,000 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze to try and get it under control before the evening winds, known as sundowner winds, intensify.
One person has already been treated for burn injuries from the blaze while two contract employees, working with firefighters, were hurt when their vehicle overturned, authorities said.
In Arizona, the The Dragon Bravo fire has become a "megafire"—meaning it has burned 100,000 acres, or about 156 square miles, and has continued to grow to 192 square miles. As of Monday, it is only 12 percent contained.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
