Massive wildfire in central California threatens homes, injures 3 people as it burns out of control
August 4, 2025
Hundreds of remote homes are being threatened by a massive wildfire burning through Los Padres National Forest in central California. Three people have been injured, including a motorist with burn injuries who was overrun by flames. Officials say the Gifford Fire spans more than 100 square miles of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The blaze grew out of several smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. More than 1,000 firefighters working in hot and dry conditions are scrambling to make progress against the flames.