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By Joe Edwards
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The Gifford Fire in central California has burned more than 119,000 acres as of early Monday, having expanded to reach "megafire" status since it began earlier in August.
Newsweek contacted U.S. Forest Service for comment via email on Monday.
Why It Matters
Three civilians and seven firefighters have been injured by the fire, which has affected portions of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
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Cal Fire also said the blaze had destroyed at least two structures and threatened nearly 3,000 more.
What To Know
The Gifford fire began on August 1 from multiple smaller fires along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield.
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Officials said that more than 4,000 personnel had been involved in firefighting efforts, along with 319 engines, 91 hand crews, 148 dozers, and 53 water tenders.
The Gifford Fire had burned 119,214 acres according to Cal Fire, surpassing the 100,000 acres needed to be classed as a "megafire" per the U.S. Interagency Fire Center's definition of such an event.
California saw one "megafire" in 2024, according to data from the agency—the Park Fire, which burned 429,603 acres and began in July that year.
Evacuation orders have been issued for 30 zones in San Luis Obispo County and seven in Santa Barbara County, with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) warning of an immediate threat to life.
A further 20 evacuation warnings in San Luis Obispo County and five in Santa Barbara County were also in effect.
The agency reported that multiple roads were closed, including Highway 166 from Highway 101 to State Route 33.
What People Are Saying
A spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service told Newsweek on Thursday: "Large wildfires are nothing new on Los Padres National Forest due to the vast amount of roadless areas within the two million acres of forestland.
"Every new wildfire ignition triggers a full-suppression response from the Forest and our local cooperators.
"The ongoing need to reduce the buildup of dead and decadent fuel loads continues to be a priority if we are going to slow the spread of vegetation-driven wildfire.
"The Gifford Fire is currently burning in areas that haven't seen a wildfire in recorded history and are ripe for new ignitions.
"The wilderness areas impacted by the Gifford Fire are extremely challenging due to the steep, rugged terrain that prevents firefighters from safely engaging in direct suppression tactics."
Cal Fire San Mateo—Santa Cruz Unit said in a post on X, Monday: "CAL FIRE CZU Strike Team 9175G is fighting the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. This team is made up of a Strike Team leader and Monterey Bay Crew 1 and Glenwood 2.
"This mega fire passed 100,000 acres on Saturday and these firefighter hand crews are working hard in Division N on the northeast portion of the fire.
"Everyone is doing well and working hard building and strengthening control lines, and assisting with firing operations, which involves setting a controlled fire ahead of the main wildfire to remove the fuel like dry grass and brush in the main fire's path."
What Happens Next
The fire was reported at 33 percent contained at the time of writing. Officials said the cause of the blaze was under investigation.
Update 8/15/25, 12 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the U.S. Forest Service.
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