Massive smoke blankets California as Gifford Fire surges to 83,900 acres
The Gifford Fire, now the largest wildfire in California in 2025, has exploded across more than 83,900 acres in Los Padres National Forest, spanning Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, with only 7–9% containment, officials report. Originating as at least four separate fires along State Route 166 on August 1, the blaze quickly consumed over 82,500 acres by August 5, overtaking the prior record of 80,779 acres from the July Madre Fire. Gusty winds and excessively dry vegetation have fueled its rapid spread. Scale and urgency Firefighters—nearly 1,900 personnel strong—are battling the inferno using ground crews, 11 Type-1 helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, bulldozers, and drones. Progress has been slow: while lines have held along the west, north, and east flanks, the southern front continues to advance toward populated zones. With more than 800 structures now under direct threat and evacuations and warnings in […]