California Wildfire Expands to 23,000 Acres in Los Padres National Forest Amid Dry Conditions

The Gifford Fire, driven by dry and warm conditions, ignited into a 23,000-acre wildfire within Los Padres National Forest in south-central California on Saturday. The fire originated from multiple small blazes along Highway 166 that merged into a single large wildfire, according to officials. Despite ongoing efforts since Friday, firefighters have yet to contain the blaze, which mainly consumes vegetation and remains only 5% controlled. The fire has affected Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, prompting the evacuation of approximately 60 to 70 residents living near the affected highway. The blaze is spreading rapidly due to fuel-rich dry conditions and high temperatures. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighting crews, including ground units and aircraft, are working tirelessly to suppress the flames, with additional resources mobilized to prevent further spread. One individual sustained severe burns and was hospitalized in Santa Maria. The fire is currently burning in a sparsely populated agricultural area and poses risks to local infrastructure and homes in Cuyama and New Cuyama communities. If the fire advances eastward, it could reach the recently b...