US EditionCalifornia's Largest Blaze Explodes in Size as Dry, Hot Weather Raises Wildfire Risk Statewide
- The Madre Fire started on July 2 in the southeastern part of San Luis Obispo County and quickly grew to engulf more than 52,000 acres in central California.
- Dry, hot weather and rising fire risks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday caused the fire to explode in size across grasslands and wilderness areas.
- Firefighters battled the blaze amidst 95-degree temperatures and afternoon wind gusts potentially reaching 40 mph, while residents in tiny communities close to State Route 166 were ordered to evacuate.
- Cal Fire reported that as of July 3, the fire was 5% contained, with no injuries or damages recorded. The blaze originated on federal land and subsequently expanded into areas overseen by the state.
- In 2025, the Madre Fire emerged as the biggest wildfire in California, leading to public access restrictions near Carrizo Plain National Monument and underscoring the growing wildfire risks across the state, especially from fireworks and human actions.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Madre Fire: California's largest blaze explodes in size as dry, hot weather raises wildfire risk
he Madre Fire became California's largest blaze so far this year, ripping through grasslands after breaking out Wednesday in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.
Associated Press News
California's largest blaze this year explodes in size as hot weather raises wildfire risk statewide
A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California has exploded in size. Dry, hot weather is raising the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
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