California Wildfire Crisis: 'Gifford Fire' Engulfs 82,000 Acres, Over 870 Structures at Risk

Los Angeles (The Uttam Hindu): A massive wildfire named the ‘Gifford Fire’ has scorched more than 82,000 acres (approximately 332 square kilometers) of land in central California, as it continues to rage out of control for the fifth consecutive day. Hundreds of homes and buildings are under imminent threat.

According to the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the blaze erupted on Friday afternoon when four separate fires broke out near the California Highway, eventually merging into a single massive wildfire. It is now spreading across Santa Lucia Road, affecting areas in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

As per Xinhua News Agency, over 870 structures are currently in danger, and by Tuesday morning, only 7% of the fire had been contained. Residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

Authorities warned that due to the unpredictable spread of the fire, locals must stay alert to changing conditions. The ongoing hot and dry weather is expected to persist through the week, making firefighting efforts more challenging.

According to InciWeb, the U.S. emergency management system, over 1,900 firefighters are battling the flames, supported by 40 hand crews, 115 fire engines, 23 bulldozers, and 30 water tenders. Aerial support is being provided via tankers and helicopters.

Captain Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department reported that the fire is rapidly advancing through steep and rugged terrain, producing thick smoke that complicates ground-level suppression. He confirmed that aircraft are now being heavily used in fire suppression due to inaccessibility by ground machinery. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned that the smoke could affect parts of southwestern California, posing serious health hazards, with possible spread toward southern and eastern regions in the coming days.