California’s Central Coast Wildfire Prompts Evacuations and Air Alerts

A massive wildfire known as the Gifford Fire has swept across California’s Central Coast, scorching tens of thousands of acres in the Los Padres National Forest, which spans Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

The fire, which began near Highway 166 west of New Cuyama, has prompted mandatory evacuations across several rural communities and continues to threaten hundreds of homes and structures.

Fueled by dry vegetation, gusty winds, and difficult terrain, the blaze has grown rapidly and remains difficult to control. Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the flames from the ground and air, using hand tools, chainsaws, and aircraft to slow the fire’s progress. Despite their efforts, containment remains limited, and officials have not yet determined the fire’s exact cause.

The impact extends beyond the fire lines. Dense smoke has triggered air quality alerts across the Central Coast, with public health officials urging residents in nearby towns to stay indoors. The Gifford Fire is now one of the largest active wildfires in the state.