California’s biggest wildfire of 2025, which is burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, is 33% contained, CalFire reported Monday morning.

The Gifford fire has now consumed 119,214 acres after starting on Aug. 1 as a handful of spot fires along Highway 166.

Community Meeting in San Luis Obispo

Gifford Fire officials will update residents and answer questions in San Luis Obispo on Monday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting is set for the Veteran’s Hall at 801 Grand Ave. It will be broadcast virtually on Los Padres National Forest’s Incident Management YouTube channel Facebook page.

Seven firefighters have been injured while trying to extinguish the blaze. In addition, there have been three reported civilian injuries.

CalFire reports that four structures have been destroyed and 2,922 are threatened. The number of evacuated residents is 806.

Portions of the Los Padres National Forest are temporarily closed for public safety and protection of natural resources

Massive Force Assembled to Suppress Blaze

Incident command reports that 4,396 personnel are fighting the wildfire. This includes 323 engines, 94 hand crews, 148 bulldozers, and 53 water tenders.

“Crews will again focus (Monday) on reinforcing lines along Avenales Ranch Road, the Salinas River bed, Hi Mountain Road, Caldwell Trout Creek, and the Huasna River,” fire managers said in Monday’s incident report.

“To stop further spread and protect communities, crews are preparing to launch a 36-hour strategic firing operation tentatively beginning this evening. This method will reduce vegetation ahead of the main fire, depriving it of fuel and increasing the likelihood of containment. The operation will take place along the north perimeter using established control lines, ridges, and roads around the Garcia Wilderness, with aerial ignitions planned for steep, inaccessible areas such as Pine Ridge.

“Holding crews will work directly behind ignition teams to keep the fire within containment lines. Night-flying helicopters and water-dropping aircraft will assist ground crews as needed. … Successful execution will depend on favorable weather, manageable fire behavior, and all resources being in position before operations begin.”

Evacuation Centers

• The New Life Student Center, 941 N. Oak Park Way, Pismo Beach
• Household pets are welcome.
• Evacuees with access and functional needs are welcome.
• Trailers and RVs are permitted to park on the basketball court.
• Please note, there is no power or sanitary sewer-related services available for any trailer or RV.
• Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, 4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama.
• The American Red Cross can be contacted for assistance at (805) 678-3073.

Gifford Fire Map