Gifford Fire

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

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) – September 28, 2025 (2025-09-28)
LocationSan Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County
Coordinates35°04′35″N 120°09′33″W / 35.07639°N 120.15917°W / 35.07639; -120.15917
Statistics
Perimeter100% contained
Burned area131,614 acres (53,262 ha)
Impacts
Non-fatal injuries15 firefighters, 3 civilians
Structures destroyed5 destroyed, 2 damaged
Damage$202.5 million
Ignition
CauseUnder Investigation
Map
Progression map of the Gifford Fire on August 11, 2025
Progression map of the Gifford Fire on August 11, 2025
Map
Perimeter of the Gifford Fire and the Madre Fire (map data)

The Gifford Fire was a megafire that burned in San Luis Obispo County, California and Santa Barbara County, California. The fire began on August 1, 2025, and was declared 100% contained on September 28, 2025.[1] It burned 131,614 acres (53,262 ha). It was one of the largest wildfires in the United States during the 2025 wildfire season.[2] The fire was close to the community of Pozo, and destroyed five structures and damaged two.[3][4]

Background

[edit]

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]

Persistent drought across Southern California compounded the threat. According to Cal Fire’s statewide archive, rainfall totals since the previous winter amounted to less than 70 percent of average, leaving both live and dead fuel moisture at critically low levels.[5] This long-term drying accelerated flammability, while weakened marine layers allowed hot, dry air to dominate inland valleys and foothills.

Progression

[edit]

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.[6] It ignited less than a week after the nearby Madre Fire had been contained in the same area.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9]

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%.[10]

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.[11] [12] [13]

By August 18–20, the fire remained stable in size (around 131,589 acres) while containment improved to approximately 95 percent. Fire management tactics shifted towoard extinguishing hot spots, reinforcing containment lines, and reducing personnel gradually.[14][15]

On August 24, Cal Fire reported the fire had burned 131,614 acres, with 95 percent containment. At that time, 506 structures remained threatened, and five structures were confirmed destroyed. Personnel counts had dropped significantly, with reduced numbers of both firefighter injuries (13) and civilian injuries (3) recorded during the incident period.[16]

Caltrans also noted that the Gifford Fire interrupted plans to close California State Route 33 near Ojai, which remained open as a critical evacuation route, though the closure was rescheduled for later due to wildfire concerns.[17]

From August 25 to 31, containment increased from 95% to 97%, with only interior pockets of smoke observed.[citation needed]

On September 5, crews held the footprint at 132,605 acres (53,663 ha), 98% contained, while continuing mop-up and patrols.[18]

By September 12, the fire remained active but was largely held within established lines; CAL FIRE listed the incident at 98% containment with a mapped area of 131,614 acres. Command had been transitioned to Los Padres National Forest operational control (LPF-ICT3) and crews continued mop-up, patrol and suppression-repair activities while resources were gradually released.[19]

Effects

[edit]
Smoke plume from the Gifford Fire seen on August 7, 2025

The fire prompted the closures of California State Route 166, from Santa Maria to Cuyama, along with Los Padres National Forest.[20] 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.[21] At its peak, over 2,912 structures were threatened by the wildfire.[22]

There have been seven injuries from the fire, four firefighters and three civilians.[23] This includes one firefighter treated for dehydration, and one civilian exited his vehicle and was hospitalized after being overtaken by flames.[24]

On August 5, the fire passed the Madre Fire to became the largest of the 2025 California wildfire season.[25]

By mid-September, was no longer threatening communities, with suppression repair and erosion-control projects underway.[26]

Growth and containment

[edit]
Fire containment status Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
Date Area burned Personnel Containment
August 1[27] 818 acres (3 km2) ...
0%
August 2[28] 23,589 acres (95 km2) ...
0%
August 3[29] 39,676 acres (161 km2) ...
5%
August 4[30] 65,062 acres (263 km2) ...
5%
August 5[31] 83,933 acres (340 km2) ...
9%
August 6[32] 91,278 acres (369 km2) ...
9%
August 7[33] 99,232 acres (402 km2) 3,431
15%
August 8[34] 104,590 acres (423 km2) 3,431
15%
August 9[35] 113,648 acres (460 km2) 3,935
21%
August 10[36] 118,068 acres (478 km2) 4,299
32%
August 11[37] 120,779 acres (489 km2) 4,299
33%
August 12[38] 125,272 acres (507 km2) 4,946
37%
August 13[39] 130,440 acres (528 km2) 4,979
41%
August 14[40] 132,605 acres (537 km2) 4,946
51%
August 15[41] 132,605 acres (537 km2) 4,789
69%
August 16[42] 132,605 acres (537 km2) 3,761
77%
August 17[43] 131,589 acres (533 km2) 3,047
91%
August 18[44] 131,589 acres (533 km2) 3,047
95%
August 19[45] 131,589 acres (533 km2) 2,713
95%
August 20[46] 131,589 acres (533 km2) 2,713
95%
August 21[47] 131,589 acres (533 km2) 2,250
95%
August 22[48] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,881
95%
August 23[49] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,874
95%
August 24[50] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,824
95%
August 25[51] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,578
95%
August 26[52] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,478
95%
August 27[53] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,375
95%
August 28[54] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,242
97%
August 29[55] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,242
97%
August 30[56] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 1,071
97%
August 31[57] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 941
97%
September 1[58] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 739
97%
September 2[59] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 649
97%
September 3[60] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 569
97%
September 4[61] 131,614 acres (533 km2) 446
97%

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Gifford Fire". CAL FIRE. Retrieved September 18, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Massive central California wildfire keeps growing and becomes state's largest blaze of the year". Associated Press. August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  3. ^ "Gifford Fire closing in on Pozo, a fourth structure destroyed". Cal Coast News. August 12, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  4. ^ "Sprawling Gifford Fire Scorches California". www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov. August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  5. ^ "2025 Fire Season Incident Archive". Cal Fire. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  6. ^ "Gifford Fire". Cal Fire. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  7. ^ "Gifford Fire burns nearly 67,000 acres in California". ABC News. August 17, 2025. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  8. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/05/2025 at 9:42 AM". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  9. ^ "Gifford Fire". Cal Fire. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  10. ^ "California's Gifford Fire reaches 'megafire' status". August 17, 2025.
  11. ^ "UPDATE: Containment on Gifford Fire increases to 89%". August 17, 2025.
  12. ^ "Evacuation zones scaled back as Gifford Fire containment increases". August 17, 2025.
  13. ^ "Containment increases for Gifford Fire as fire crews continue SLO County mop-up". August 17, 2025.
  14. ^ "Gifford Fire Holds Steady at 132,605 Acres as Containment Grows to Over Three-Quarters". The Santa Barbara Independent. August 16, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  15. ^ "Gifford Fire Sit-Rep via Wildfire Explorer – August 25, 2025". Wildfire Explorer. August 25, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  16. ^ "Incident Update – Gifford Fire (August 24, 2025)". Cal Fire. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  17. ^ "Caltrans cancels California highway closure due to mega wildfire". SFGATE. August 24, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  18. ^ "National Incident Situation Report – September 5, 2025" (PDF). NIFC. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  19. ^ "Gifford Fire". California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
  20. ^ "Incident Update Gifford Fire". Cal Fire. August 3, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  21. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/08/25 at 3:06 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Archived from the original on August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  22. ^ "Gifford Fire burns nearly 67,000 acres in California". ABC News. August 4, 2025. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  23. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/08/25 at 3:06 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  24. ^ Phan, Suzanne (August 6, 2025). "Gifford Fire: Bay Area fire agencies deploy firefighters, bulldozers to Central CA wildfire". KABC-TV. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  25. ^ "Incidents". CalFire. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
  26. ^ "Wildfire Map Spotlight: Gifford Fire – Santa Barbara County, California". IQAir. September 12, 2025. Retrieved September 13, 2025. As of September 12, 2025, the Gifford Fire has burned approximately 132,761 acres and is 98% contained.
  27. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/01/2025 at 6:24 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 1, 2025. Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  28. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/02/2025 at 7:02 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 2, 2025. Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  29. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/03/2025 at 3:58 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 3, 2025. Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  30. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/04/2025 at 6:02 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 4, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  31. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/05/2025 at 7:54 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 5, 2025. Archived from the original on August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  32. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/06/2025 at 5:25 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
  33. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/07/2025 at 9:12 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 7, 2025. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  34. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/08/2025 at 3:06 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 8, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
  35. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/09/2025 at 8:01 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 9, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  36. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/10/2025 at 7:42 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 10, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  37. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/11/2025 at 8:00 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
  38. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/12/2025 at 7:35 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 12, 2025. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  39. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/13/2025 at 8:30 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 13, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  40. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/14/2025 at 10:11 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 14, 2025. Archived from the original on August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  41. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/15/2025 at 9:05 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  42. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/16/2025 at 7:01 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 16, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  43. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/17/2025 at 8:13 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 17, 2025. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
  44. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/18/2025 at 9:01 AM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 18, 2025. Archived from the original on August 19, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
  45. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/19/2025 at 12:11 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). August 18, 2025. Archived from the original on August 19, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  46. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/20/2025 at 2:57 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  47. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/21/2025 at 1:11 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 22, 2025.
  48. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/22/2025 at 9:49 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Archived from the original on August 23, 2025. Retrieved August 22, 2025.
  49. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/23/2025 at 6:58 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  50. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/24/2025 at 7:21 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  51. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/25/2025 at 8:04 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  52. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/26/2025 at 8:39 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  53. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/27/2025 at 7:30 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 27, 2025.
  54. ^ "Gifford Fire: Incident Update on 08/28/2025 at 8:03 PM". www.fire.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Retrieved August 28, 2025.
  55. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Friday, August 29, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 4" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
  56. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Saturday, August 30, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 3" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  57. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Sunday, August 31, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 3" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  58. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Monday, September 1, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 3" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  59. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 3" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
  60. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 3" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  61. ^ "Incident Management Situation Report Thursday, September 4, 2025 – 0730 MDT National Preparedness Level 4" (PDF). www.nifc.gov. National Interagency Coordination Center. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
[edit]