US EditionSacramento Fire Crews Deployed to Santa Barbara County to Aid with Gifford Fire
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AUG 2 – The Gifford Fire expanded to over 23,500 acres within 24 hours, prompting evacuations and air quality alerts while firefighters battle the blaze near recent Madre Fire scars.
- On Aug. 1, the Gifford Fire started shortly before 2 p.m. along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria, burning over 23,500 acres in less than 24 hours.
- Amid dry conditions, officials noted the region has received less than 50% of annual rainfall, and the fire ignited four days after the Madre Fire reached full containment.
- California Highway Patrol announced by Saturday morning that Highway 166 is closed from Highway 101 near Santa Maria to Highway 33, as the fire charred 12,400 acres and was 5% contained.
- Health authorities warned that people with heart or lung conditions should limit outdoor time, after Bertelsen said an individual sustained burns and a motorist was airlifted.
- Amid containment challenges, Bertelsen reports burn scars from the Madre Fire are helping to box in the Gifford Fire, with ground and air resources actively suppressing it and 'This is going to be something for the long haul.
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East Bay Times
East Bay TimesMap: Gifford Fire explodes to California’s 2nd-biggest of the year
The Gifford Fire, which started Friday next to the footprint of California’s biggest 2025 wildfire, quickly grew to more than 20,000 acres and prompted evacuation orders in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Related Articles Map: Fire closes Santa Cruz Mountains trail Map: Wildfire burning at edge of Susanville PG&E monthly bills have ‘stabilized’ and will drop lower, utility says …
·San Jose, United States
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 42%
C 50%
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