The Gifford Fire, now California’s largest wildfire of 2025 at 83,933 acres with 9% containment, has prompted widespread evacuation orders and warnings across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, along with road closures and emergency shelter services. (U.S. Forest Service)
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The Gifford Fire has grown to 83,933 acres with 9% containment as of Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
A total of 2,323 personnel are assigned to the incident.
The fire has surpassed the Madre Fire’s 80,779 acre burn to become the largest wildfire in California in 2025.
The U.S. Forest Service said 1,241 structures are threatened as 2,323 personnel work to contain the Gifford Fire. Crews have deployed 137 engines, 48 bulldozers, 48 hand crews and 25 water tenders to the blaze.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings and Road Closure
Evacuation Orders have been issued due to an immediate threat to life.
Authorities have declared the affected areas closed to public access and are urging residents to leave immediately, according to CalFire.
In San Luis Obispo County, evacuation orders are in effect for the following zones: LPF-014, 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 have also been announced for areas under potential threat to life or property. Officials advise those needing more time, or with pets and livestock, to leave now.
In San Luis Obispo County, warnings apply to zones SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-240, SLC-262, SLC-264, SLC-297, SLC-298, SLC-311, SLC-312, SLC-334, LPF-011, and LPF-013.
In Santa Barbara County, evacuation warnings are in place for SBC-159-B, SBC-161-B, SBC-172, SBC-179, and SBC-229-A.
Highway 166 remains closed between Highway 101 and New Cuyama, CalFire reported.
Animal Evacuations
Animal evacuation services are also available, according to the CalFire website.
For assistance with large animals, residents are asked to call the County Animal Services Disaster Hotline at (805) 681-4332.
The Elks Rodeo Grounds at 4040 Highway 101 in Santa Maria is open for large animal sheltering — enter via Morningside Drive Gate 2.
For small or domestic animals, shelter locations open until 6 p.m. include:
- 548 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria
- 1501 W Central Ave, Lompoc
- 5473 Overpass Rd, Goleta
The location at 111 Commerce Dr, Buellton, is open until 5 p.m.
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