Firefighters continue to slowly make gains a massive wildfire burning in two California counties, now the biggest fire in the state this year, reaching “megafire” status.
The Gifford Fire is threatening more than 822 structures and has prompted hundreds of evacuations. Four structures have been confirmed destroyed. It has burned more than 120,000 acres, which puts it over the 100,000-acre mark to be considered a megafire.
Containment on the fire has grown to 33%. The fire, which is burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, started on Aug. 2.
Related: While LA Burned, Rules to Protect Homes From Wildfires Were on Hold
Hot, dry weather has made battling the blaze difficult. However conditions are expected to improve as the week wears on.
Hot and dry conditions, with elevated fire weather, is expected to continue through the day, while humidity levels have remained poor to moderate, according to firefighting officials.
A fire weather update shows mostly clear skies and warm conditions will prevail across the fire until Wednesday, before a cooling trend occurs the remainder of the week.
“Crews are continuing to prepare a multi-day strategic firing operation to remove vegetation ahead of the main fire, and success will depend on favorable weather, manageable fire behavior, and complete resource readiness,” a wildfire status states. “Firefighters are working to contain an area on the northeast side, near Los Pelados and Midway Roads, that had escaped control lines.”
State Route 166 remains closed between US 101 in Santa Maria and Perkins Road in New Cuyama.
More than 4,800 personnel, 363 engines and 53 water tenders are assigned to the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Topics California
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