The Gifford Fire, which ignited last Friday near the border of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, has rapidly expanded to 43,118 acres by Sunday morning, escalating into a major incident that has prompted extensive evacuation orders. As of the latest reports, the blaze is only five percent contained, according to updates from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Evacuation orders have been enforced in specific regions, particularly along Highway 166, affecting areas near Upper Tepusquet Canyon and parts east of the Willow Springs trailhead. Additionally, residents in Lower Tepusquet Canyon and those west of School House Road are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuation. As a precaution, Highway 166 is currently closed from Highway 101 to Highway 33.
Over 560 personnel from various fire agencies are actively engaged in combating the fire, with efforts concentrated on establishing containment lines along the southern edge of the blaze at La Brea Road. Historical containment lines are also being utilized on the eastern side from Miranda Pine Mountain to Cuyama Valley, and dozer lines are being built on the western flank to mitigate the threat of the fire spreading into the Manchesina Wilderness.
Captain Scott Safechuck from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department indicated that around 360 homes are at risk, particularly in the vicinity of School House and Cottonwood Canyons. The fire continues to pose significant challenges due to the expected hot and dry conditions throughout the weekend, coupled with onshore winds forecasted for Sunday afternoon.
In response to the fire’s development, ground and air resources have been mobilized, and multiple agencies are collaborating in the firefighting efforts within the Los Padres National Forest. The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Watch for the entire county and a specific Air Quality Alert for the Cuyama region, both to remain in effect until conditions improve.
Residents are urged to stay informed through real-time alerts available at ReadySBC.org and the Watch Duty App, as emergency officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The cause of the Gifford Fire is currently under investigation, with preliminary reports from the California Highway Patrol suggesting it may have been sparked by a vehicle near Highway 166.
This situation underscores the importance of community preparedness in the face of wildfires, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance as such events can escalate rapidly. While the conditions remain challenging, the concerted efforts of the firefighting personnel and the support of local communities provide a hopeful outlook for containment and recovery.