A wildfire burning along Highway 166 near New Cuyama has scorched 79,936 acres and prompted multiple evacuation orders and warnings across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Kern counties, according to CalFire.

The blaze, known as the Madre Fire, ignited Wednesday afternoon and remains only 30% contained as of Sunday morning, according to fire officials.

One structure has been destroyed, 50 remain threatened, and over 1,358 personnel are battling the flames with help from air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews.

The Madre Fire is considered California’s largest blaze of 2025, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire is burning under a unified command involving the Los Padres National Forest, CalFire San Luis Obispo, and the Bureau of Land Management. The cause remains under investigation.

Evacuation Orders, Warnings

Evacuation orders are in effect for Zone LPF-017 in the Los Padres National Forest, as well as Zones 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 in San Luis Obispo County.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for Zones SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-266, SLC-301, SLC-359, SLC-365, SLC-366, and SLC-367 in San Luis Obispo County; Zones KRN-245, KRN-249, KRN-259, and KRN-281-B in Kern County; and for portions of Santa Barbara County east of the Rock Front area, west of Cottonwood Canyon Road, and south of Highway 166.

60 engines, 26 water tenders, 28 bulldozers, 34 hand crews, and 16 helicopters are assigned to the incident. Air operations are continuing as weather conditions permit.

The public is encouraged to follow official sources for real-time updates and to heed all evacuation guidance. 

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