Gifford Fire

Gifford Fire
Part of the 2025 California wildfires
Top: Heavy equipment cutting fireline around the Gifford Fire, on August 12, 2025. Bottom: A fire engine (343) stopped next to the large Gifford Fire on August 7, 2025
Date(s)	August 1, 2025 (2025-08-01) – present
Location	San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County
Coordinates	35°04′35″N 120°09′33″W / 35.07639°N 120.15917°W / 35.07639; -120.15917
Statistics
Perimeter	89% contained
Burned area	131,589 acres (53,252 ha)
Impacts
Non-fatal injuries	7 firefighters, 3 civilians
Structures destroyed	5 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ignition
Cause	Under Investigation
Map
Progression map of the Gifford Fire on August 11, 2025

The Gifford Fire is a megafire that is burning in San Luis Obispo County, California, and Santa Barbara County, California. As of August 17, fire has burned 131,589 acres (53,252 ha) and is 89% contained.^[1] It is the third largest wildfire in the United States during the 2025 wildfire season.^[2] The fire is close to the community of Pozo, and as of August 14, 2025 it has destroyed five structures and damaged two.^[3][4]

Rising temperatures around 95 °F have been present during the fire, despite calmer winds. However, low relative humidity and a red flag warning mostly triggered by the high temperatures have fueled the fire's growth. The area has received very little precipitation, drying out the abundant grass loads, and costal moisture has been lowering.^[2]

The Gifford Fire was first reported at approximately 3:44 p.m. on August 1, 2025, northeast of Santa Maria, California. The cause remains under investigation.^[5] It ignited less than a week after the nearby Madre Fire had been contained in the same area.^[6]

Fueled by hot, dry, and windy conditions, the fire expanded rapidly—reaching around 5,000 acres within its first few hours. Two days later, on August 3, it had grown to about 49,761 acres, and by August 5, the burned area had increased to approximately 82,567 acres.^[7]

By August 8, the fire had consumed about 104,402 acres, with containment holding at only 21%. Within 24 hours, the burned area had surpassed 112,300 acres.^[8]

The fire’s progression later prompted rapid escalation—on August 11, it achieved “megafire” status after igniting over 119,767 acres and becoming California’s largest wildfire of the season. Containment at that time stood at approximately 33%.^[9]

By mid-August, improved weather and intensified firefighting efforts led to a sharp increase in containment. As of August 17, containment had risen to 89%, with the fire area estimated at 131,589 acres. Both personnel and evacuation zones were significantly reduced, and mop-up operations continued. The fire remained active, restricted by strong containment lines and better conditions.^{[10] [11] [12]}

The fire prompted the closures of California State Route 166, from Santa Maria to Cuyama, along with Los Padres National Forest.^[13] Evacuation orders were issued by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County for zones LPF-009, LPF-010, LPF-011, LPF-012, LPF-013, LPF-014, LPF-015, LPF-016, LPF-017, LPF-018, LPF-019, SLC-222, SLC-223, SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-240, SLC-259, SLC-260, SLC-261, SLC-262, SLC-263, SLC-264, SLC-296, SLC-297, SLC-298, SLC-311, SLC-334, SLC-335, SLC-336, SLC-337, LPF-165, SBC-159-A, SBC-161-A, SBC-163, SBC-167, SBC-169-A, and SBC-169-B.^[14] At its peak, over 2,912 structures were threatened by the wildfire.^[15]

There have been seven injuries from the fire, four firefighters and three civilians.^[16] This includes one firefighter treated for dehydration, and one civilian exited his vehicle and was hospitalized after being overtaken by flames.^[17]

On August 5, the fire passed the Madre Fire to became the largest of the 2025 California wildfire season.^[18]

• 2025 United States wildfires
• List of California wildfires
• 2025 California wildfires

• Gifford Fire at InciWeb