California, August 7 (V7N) — The Gifford Fire in Southern California has become the state’s largest wildfire of 2025, burning through nearly 84,000 acres as of Wednesday, with containment efforts struggling against challenging weather conditions.
 
According to the latest update from Cal Fire, the blaze has scorched 83,933 acres and remains only 9% contained. The fire, which began in the Los Padres National Forest, continues to threaten over 800 structures across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
 
Authorities have reported three injuries in connection with the fire, including one individual who required medical treatment for burns. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several communities within the fire’s projected path.
 
Los Padres National Forest officials have warned of intensified fire behavior as California faces an extended period of high temperatures and dry conditions. “Thursday could see temperatures into the triple digits, with an increase in fire activity,” stated an evening incident update issued Tuesday. The warming and drying trend is expected to persist through the weekend, further complicating suppression efforts.
 
The Gifford Fire is currently the largest blaze on Cal Fire’s active wildfire list for 2025. The agency had previously forecasted “above-normal large fire activity” for the summer months of July and August, due to prolonged drought and heatwave conditions affecting much of the state.
 
The fire comes as California also contends with the Rosa and Gold fires in other regions, placing additional strain on firefighting resources and prompting renewed calls for heightened community preparedness. Firefighting teams, including ground crews and aerial units, are working around the clock to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural resources.
 
Local officials have urged residents in threatened areas to comply with evacuation orders and remain alert to further developments as containment efforts continue under difficult conditions.
 
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