A fast-moving wildfire in San Luis Obispo County has scorched 52,593 acres as of Thursday near Highway 166 and the community of New Cuyama, CalFire reported.

The Madre Fire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon, is just 5% contained and continues to threaten about 50 structures.

Evacuation orders are in place for multiple zones, including LPF-017, SLC-226, SLC-264, SLC-265, SLC-299, SLC-312, SLC-337, and SLC-338.

Additional evacuation warnings are in effect for SLC-263, SLC-298, SLC-300, SLC-313, SLC-339, and SLC-358.

300 Battling the Fire in Steep Terrain

More than 300 personnel are assigned to the fire, which is burning in steep terrain and heavy fuels.

Response efforts include 39 engines, four helicopters, four water tenders, two hand crews, and dozens of support staff.

Numerous firefighting air tankers from across the state have also been deployed as conditions allow.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The incident is being managed under a unified command by Los Padres National Forest, CalFire San Luis Obispo, and the Bureau of Land Management.

For updates, visit the CalFire 2025 Madre Fire Information page.

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