The Madre Fire burning near New Cuyama has scorched 70,801 acres as of Friday, July 4, 2025, afternoon, making it California’s largest wildfire of the year, with only 10% containment and multiple evacuation zones in place. (CalFire)
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Update at 12:41 p.m. on July 4, 2025
The Madre Fire has grown to 70,801 acres, CalFire reported.
Original Story
A wildfire burning along Highway 166 near New Cuyama has scorched 52,592 acres as of Friday, making it the largest wildfire in California so far this year, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The blaze, named the Madre Fire, ignited Wednesday and remains just 10% contained as of Friday morning. Its cause is under investigation, CalFire reported.
CalFire told GV Wire that the acreage total has not changed since early Friday morning, though updated numbers are expected.
Crews are contending with temperatures near 92 degrees and wind gusts up to 20 mph in what officials describe as a very rural area.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings
Evacuation orders have been issued for 15 zones: LPF-017, SLC-226, SLC-240, SLC-263, SLC-264, SLC-265, SLC-298, SLC-299, SLC-300, SLC-312, SLC-313, SLC-337, SLC-338, SLC-339, and SLC-358.
Warnings are in effect for 13 zones spanning San Luis Obispo and Kern counties, including SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-266, SLC-301, SLC-359, SLC-365, SLC-366, SLC-367, KRN-281-B, KRN-259, KRN-249, and KRN-245.
There is also an evacuation warning for Santa Barbara County-East of the Rock Front Area, West of Cotton Wood Canyon Rd, and South of Highway 166, CalFire reported.
More Personnel Added to Fight Blaze
Roughly 50 structures are threatened, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported by CalFire.
The firefight has drawn 608 personnel, supported by 46 engines, 5 water tenders, 4 helicopters, 7 dozers, and 14 hand crews. Numerous air tankers are also being used as conditions allow.
The wildfire is under unified command by Los Padres National Forest, CalFire San Luis Obispo, and the Bureau of Land Management.
For the latest updates and evacuation maps, visit the Madre Fire information page on InciWeb.
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