Gifford Fire in California Spreads Rapidly

The Gifford Fire, a wildfire in Southern California, is causing evacuations and prompting a response from firefighters. The fire started near Highway 166, west of Cuyama, and has already spread to over 23,500 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Evacuations have been ordered in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, near Los Padres National Forest. So far, no injuries or property damage have been reported, aside from the destruction of the natural environment. Time-lapse video captured the rapid spread of the fire as it moved up a hillside.

Firefighters are facing challenging conditions due to the terrain and the large amount of combustible material. Temperatures are expected to reach 35-37 °C, with low humidity and winds up to 40 km/h.