A large wildfire in central California posed a significant threat on Monday, endangering hundreds of homes and injuring at least three individuals as it surged through Los Padres National Forest.
The Gifford Fire has engulfed over 100 square miles (260 square km) across coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The fire remained uncontrolled, according to Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Flemming Bertelson, from the U.S. Forest Service, reported that a driver suffered burn injuries after getting out of their car and being engulfed by flames. Additionally, two contract workers aiding firefighters were injured when their ATV flipped over.
The fire threatened approximately 450 structures and resulted in the highway closure in both directions near Santa Maria, a city with a population of about 110,000 in Santa Barbara County. Located roughly 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, the area features hilly farmland dotted with California live oaks and Sycamore trees, known for its vineyards.
The blaze grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield.
“This created multiple fire fronts, causing the flames to spread in various directions,” Bertelson explained. “The fire is consuming chaparral and brushland, climbing up very steep slopes.”
Ranchers evacuated cattle as aircraft made water drops on the encroaching flames.
Over 1,000 firefighters were combating hot, dry conditions and unpredictable winds as they worked to contain the wildfire before stronger winds were predicted to pick up around sunset.
The causes of the fires are under investigation.
