Gifford started along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria, adjacent to the footprint of the year’s previous biggest fire: Madre, which last month burned 80,779 acres in the Carrizo Plain area. Evacuation orders for Gifford covered almost 600 square miles, and Highway 166 was closed between Highway 101 and New Cuyama.

The largest wildfire currently burning in California grew to more than 72,000 acres. The Gifford Fire burning in Los Padres National Forest in southern California prompted additional evacuations across two counties Monday evening,

The Gifford Fire burning across south-central California has now reached 72,000 acres, according to officials, with dramatic timelapse footage showing its spread. Los Padres National Forest officials said 1,