A massive fire outbreak in Southern California has scorched more than 65,000 acres of land and prompted mass evacuations in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
The Gifford Fire started on Friday afternoon in the Los Padres National Forest outside Solvang and has spread quickly due to rugged terrain and dry brush.
As of Monday, August 4, 2025, California fire officials reported that the wildfire had burned 65,062 acres and was only 3% contained. More than 1,000 firefighters are working to combat the blaze.
As reported by ABC News, authorities have ordered evacuations and issued warnings for various zones. Highway 166 has been closed as fires burn along both sides of the highway. Approximately 460 structures are threatened, although none have been definitively destroyed so far.
Authorities reported a sharp increase in fire behavior on Sunday, especially where dry grass is present. Fire activity was intensified by the region’s tough topography.
Three individuals have been hurt since the fire erupted. A civilian was injured by burns and hospitalized, while two contractor employees were injured in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rollover incident. All the injuries were reported on Saturday.
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District declared an air quality alert for Cuyama and a watch for the entire county. People are being urged to reduce outdoor activities, particularly sensitive groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung disease.
The air pollution control district stated, “If you see or smell smoke in the air, be cautious and use common sense to protect your and your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air.”
The origin of the Gifford Fire is still under investigation, according to Cal Fire officials.
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