Home / Disasters and Accidents / Coastal Wildfire Scorches Over 100 Square Miles, Threatens Hundreds of Homes
Coastal Wildfire Scorches Over 100 Square Miles, Threatens Hundreds of Homes
5 Aug
Summary
- Gifford Fire burns over 100 square miles in central California
- At least 3 people injured, including a motorist and 2 firefighters
- Blaze threatens about 450 structures and forces highway closure
On August 5th, 2025, a massive wildfire in central California's Los Padres National Forest has been threatening hundreds of homes and forcing the closure of a major highway. The Gifford Fire, which started last Friday, has already scorched more than 100 square miles across the coastal regions of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
The blaze has injured at least three people, including a motorist who was hospitalized with burn injuries after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by the flames. Two contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned.
More than 1,000 firefighters are currently battling the out-of-control fire, which has been fueled by hot, dry weather and erratic winds. The blaze has threatened about 450 structures, forcing the closure of the highway in both directions east of the city of Santa Maria, which has a population of around 110,000 people.
The Gifford Fire started as multiple smaller fires that erupted along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield last Friday. Ranchers have been evacuating cattle as aircraft make water drops on the encroaching flames. The causes of the fires are still under investigation.
