A Southern California wildfire in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties has reached “megafire” status after reaching over 122,000 acres Aug. 12, becoming the state’s largest fire this year.
The Gifford Fire has destroyed four homes and injured seven people—including four civilians--since it ignited on Aug. 1, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Management of Luna Red, a restaurant in the college town of San Luis Obispo, was thankful for ongoing efforts to preserve the surrounding communities as flames continued to scorch the region in and around the Los Padres National Forest.
“San Luis Obispo city remains safe at this time,” Luna Red posted on Facebook Aug. 12. “Our hearts are with the ranchers, residents, and everyone impacted by the Gifford Fire. We’re incredibly grateful for CalFire and the out-of-area crews working tirelessly to protect our region and battle this fire.”
The massive blaze was 33 percent contained as nearly 5,000 fire personnel fought winds and dry heat.
“Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist today,” fire authorities reported midday on Aug. 12.
The cause of the fast-growing fire remained under investigation.
Overnight crews prepared for a multi-day attack by removing vegetation in front of the flames, which were about 15 miles northeast of Santa Maria, a city of about 111,000 known for strawberry crops and a burgeoning wine country.
Crews were able to build fire lines near Los Pelados and Midway roads on the northeast side of the fire.
Low humidity in the region, which has contributed to the fire’s severity, was expected to ease later in the day. Wind gusts could reach up to 20 miles per hour in the afternoon and evening, fire officials reported.
The Gifford Fire has destroyed four homes and injured seven people, including four civilians, according to the U.S. Forest Service. (U.S. Forest Service)
Multiple neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties remained evacuated or under evacuation warnings, while some roads through the area were also closed.
Officials opened an evacuation shelter at New Life Community Church in Pismo Beach. Several temporary evacuation locations were also available for the public at Santa Margarita Community Hall in Santa Margarita, Benjamin Foxen Elementary School in Santa Maria, and Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center in New Cuyama.
Residents were able to shelter their large animals at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles and the Elks Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria.
The fast-growing Gifford Fire has charred over 122,000 acres in California. The fire, seen in this NASA Aqua satellite image, ignited on Aug. 1 and spread quickly through the mountains of Los Padres National Forest due to dry and gusty conditions. (NASA)
Smaller animals and pets could also be housed at animal shelters throughout the area.
Los Padres National Forest is closed for public safety and to protect natural resources, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The closure includes the Santa Lucia Ranger District and a portion of the Mount Pinos Ranger District.
A cooling trend and higher humidity were expected to help moderate the fire as the week progresses, according to fire officials.
Northwesterly winds allowed good air quality to continue over most of the region, with smoke impacting a limited southeastern portion of San Luis Obispo County, according to the county’s Air Pollution Control District.
