A massive wildfire, dubbed the Gifford Fire, continues to ravage central California, becoming the state’s largest blaze of 2025. Scorching 339 square kilometers across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the fire remains only 9% contained, threatening over 870 remote homes and structures at the northern edge of Los Padres National Forest. The fire, which surpassed the 326-square-kilometer Madre Fire from last month, has injured four people, including a firefighter treated for dehydration and a motorist severely burned after being overtaken by flames.

Fueled by a relentless heatwave, with temperatures soaring to the mid-90s (35°C) on Wednesday and expected to exceed 100°F (38°C) by Thursday, the fire is spreading through steep, inaccessible terrain. “Hot weather and low humidity are driving extreme fire behavior,” said Capt. Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. While calm winds offer some relief, the National Weather Service warns of heightened wildfire risk through the weekend, exacerbated by dry vegetation and triple-digit temperatures forecast for the Sacramento Valley.

More than 2,200 personnel are battling the blaze, which began as four smaller fires along State Route 166 on Friday, forcing road closures east of Santa Maria, a city of 110,000. The flames are tearing through forestland, ranches, canyons, and agricultural areas known for wine grapes and strawberries. The cause remains under investigation. Smoke from the fire poses health risks across southwest California, with officials urging residents to take precautions. Two contract workers were also injured when their all-terrain vehicle overturned while assisting firefighting efforts.

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