Massive wildfire in central California threatens homes, injures 3 people
as it burns out of control
[August 05, 2025]
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. |
Ranchers work to evacuate cattle as the Gifford Fire burns nearby on
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Padres National Forest, Calif. (AP
Photo/Noah Berger) |
|
A motorist was hospitalized with burn injuries after getting out
of his vehicle and being overrun by flames, said Flemming
Bertelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. Two
contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when
their all-terrain vehicle overturned.
The blaze threatened about 450 structures and forced the closure
of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of
about 110,000 people in Santa Barbara County. About 65 miles
(105 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240
kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, the hilly agricultural
region is dotted by sprawling California live oaks and Sycamore
trees and is known for its wine industry.
The blaze grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted
Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and
Bakersfield.
“That gave us multiple fronts, and the flames started fanning
out in many directions,” Bertelson said. “The fire is gobbling
up chapparal and brushland and running up very steep slopes.”
Ranchers evacuated cattle as aircraft made water drops on the
encroaching flames.
More than 1,000 firefighters were battling hot, dry weather and
erratic winds to make progress against the blaze before winds
were forecast to whip up around dusk.
The causes of the fires are under investigation.
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