A wildfire burning in two counties, now the biggest fire in California this year, is threatening more than 1,500 structures and has burned more than 96,000 acres.
The Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara started on Aug. 2. The fire covers San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, and it is 15% contained.
According to fire officials, the Gifford Fire is threatening 1,515 structures.
Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Nearly 3,000 personnel, more than 200 engines, 18 water tenders and 19 helicopters are battling the fire.
Related: Zurich Insurance Beats Estimates Despite LA Wildfire Hit
The wildfire risk is expected to be elevated through the week across much of inland California, as the heat intensifies and the air becomes drier. There’s some chance the weather will cool over the weekend.
“The warming trend will continue on through Thursday, with most areas of the fire climbing into the 90s to even the low 100s,” an update from fire officials states. “With the warm temperatures, humidity will fall into the lower to mid teens and locally down to the single digits. Winds will continue to exhibit their typical diurnal trends. For Friday through the weekend, a slight and gradual cooling trend is expected.”
Four firefighters and three civilians have reportedly been injured by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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