California Fires Burn over 100,000 Acres as Evacuations Expand
Several wildfires broke out in several California counties within the past week, and evacuation orders were issued in Central California. The Gifford Fire in California, which began last Wednesday in the areas of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, has reached over 96,000 acres burned and is the largest wildfire of the year, according to fire officials.
According to CAL Fire, which tracks blazes across the state, the Gifford Fire has burned 99,232 acres and is about 15% contained as of Friday morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
New evacuations have been ordered in Central California on Thursday as the fire approaches 100,000 acres, with 30 mph winds pushing it further west toward the Arroyo Grande area, as reported by SFGate.
Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, warned that the fire would be further difficult to contain due to the hot and dry conditions over the next few days, including temperatures as high as 104 degrees on Thursday and humidity levels dropping to the single digits.
"What that does is create a plume-dominated environment," Lewis told SFGATE. "The plume can grow vertically and act somewhat erratically because of that."
He also noted that the fire's smoke would press on toward Southern California, including Los Angeles County, this week, while the heaviest portion of the smoke is expected to affect eastern San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
🚨 BREAKING: Rapidly growing wildfire prompts thousands of evacuations in California.
💡 Insight: Fueled by scorching temperatures and strong winds, the blaze has already consumed thousands of acres, overwhelming local firefighting resources and threatening communities across… pic.twitter.com/uJ9GggxpvP— Global Gem Update (@GlobalGemUpdate) August 8, 2025
Meanwhile, a brush fire, known as the Canyon Fire, is rapidly spreading in Ventura county, north of Los Angeles, which prompted evacuations for thousands of people.
According to authorities, the Canyon fire started around 1:30 PM and expanded to over 7.6 square miles (19.7 square kilometers) by 11 PM. CAL Fire reported that it was 0% contained and has burned 4,856 acres.
A Prayer for Those Affected by Wildfires
Heavenly Father,
We lift up the families, firefighters, and communities in California facing the devastation of the wildfires. We ask for Your protection over those in danger, strength for those responding, and peace for those who have lost homes or face uncertainty. Remind each heart that You are “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Article: A Powerful Prayer for Firefighters
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/BENJAMIN HANSON/Contributor
Originally published August 08, 2025.
