As of now, central California is facing a historic wildfire danger. Now the Gifford fire has been roaring out of control, burning over 65,000 acres (26,300 hectares) since last Friday. The blaze, which originated from several smaller fires along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield, has prompted evacuation orders in the region. More than 450 structures are still in harm’s way, and representatives from FEMA to the states are doing everything they can to protect communities.
As of Monday morning, the Gifford fire was 3% contained. More than 1,000 firefighters are still working around the clock on the ground to get a handle on the flames. The incendiary conditions have brought dangerous conditions and at least 45 official injuries, including one resident who spent four days in the hospital for burn injuries. Two contract workers who help provide firefighting support were injured when their ATV flipped while they were performing operational tasks.
California’s landscape is still extraordinarily dry and hot after a dry spring, priming conditions for extreme wildfire dangers. Officials cautioned fire conditions have the potential to rapidly worsen with hotter, drier weather approaching. This change would likely make an even more erratic Gifford fire even more erratic. Fire activity is much more than normal at this time of year. This concerning trend is especially worrying because California typically experiences one of their busiest times for wildfires as the summer season ends and fall begins.
the Gifford fire, blowing through the brushy upslopes of Los Padres National Forest. Firefighting crews are working around the clock carving containment lines to stop the spread of the fire. It’s erratic behavior that has put fear in state and local leaders at times. They’re definitely watching what’s going on. They’re still reminding people in areas that are being impacted to follow evacuation orders, and to be aware of evolving conditions.