The Gifford Fire burning along Highway 166 in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties has grown to 65,062 acres as of Monday morning, with containment dropping to just 3%, fire officials said.

The U.S. Forest Service said 1,091 personnel are assigned to the blaze, which is threatening 460 structures. Resources battling the fire include 51 engines, 16 bulldozers, 32 hand crews and 15 water tenders.

The wildfire, which ignited Friday northeast of Santa Maria, continues to burn actively on both sides of Highway 166, with more aggressive spread reported on the south side, according to the CalFire.

CalFire said the incident is located just west of the recent Madre Fire, which burned 80,779 acres.

Evacuation Orders, Warnings

Evacuation orders are in place for several areas due to the Gifford Fire.

In San Luis Obispo County, the mandatory evacuation zones include LPF-015, LPF-016, LPF-017, LPF-018, LPF-019, SLC-335, SLC-336, and SLC-337. In Santa Barbara County, evacuation orders have been issued for zones LPF-165, SBC-159-A, SBC-161-A, SBC-163, SBC-167, SBC-169-A, and SBC-169-B.

Evacuation warnings are also in effect.

In San Luis Obispo County, residents in zones SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-240, SLC-262, SLC-264, SLC-297, SLC-298, LPF-011, and LPF-013 have been placed under warning. In Santa Barbara County, warning zones include SBC-159-B, SBC-161-B, and SBC-172.

Highway 166 is closed between Highway 101 and New Cuyama as fire crews work to gain control over the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

For more information, please visit Gifford Fire InciWeb.

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