In California, the largest wildfire of the year continues to grow

• The Gifford fire has become the largest wildfire in California in 2025.
• More than 870 buildings are threatened by the fire, which has engulfed 131 square miles.
• The risk of wildfires is increasing in conditions of drought and high temperatures.

Santa Maria, California (AP) — Rising temperatures in the middle of the summer have created new challenges for firefighters, who are gradually facing off against a massive wildfire in central California. This fire, known as the Gifford fire, has already injured four people and has become the largest wildfire of the year.

More than 870 evacuated buildings and other structures in the northern region of the Los Padres National Forest remain under threat. The fire has engulfed approximately 131 square miles (339 square kilometers) around Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, with only 9% of the area contained. It has surpassed the previous largest wildfire of the year — the Madre fire, which erupted last month.

Firefighters are working in difficult conditions and are encountering temperatures in the mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 35 degrees Celsius) during the day and over 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) on Thursday, as reported by Captain Scott Seifchik from the Santa Barbara Fire Department.

According to forecasts, the risk of wildfires will remain elevated due to prolonged heat waves affecting many interior regions of California. The southern part of the state has experienced very little rainfall, which has led to increased vegetation dryness and a higher likelihood of ignition.

More than 2200 personnel are participating in the battle against the fire, which arose from the aftermath of four smaller fires that ignited on Friday along State Route 166, resulting in road closures in both directions east of Santa Maria.

The fire is spreading through a vast area, primarily affecting unincorporated areas that include forested regions, ranches, and agricultural lands. The weather service has warned of risks for health due to smoke that may affect a larger portion of southern coastal California.

Officials reported four injuries, including a firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation. The injured driver was hospitalized after getting out of the vehicle and being caught in the fire. Two workers who assisted the firefighter also suffered injuries, as their vehicle was overturned.

Tags: USA/Weather