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Respirator Masks Made Available as Gifford Fire Affects Air Quality on the Central Coast | News Channel 3-12
SAN LUIS OBISPO AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA, AUG 4 – The Gifford Fire has burned over 65,000 acres with 5% containment, forcing evacuation of nearly 600 square miles and injuring three people, officials said.
- The Gifford Fire began around 2 p.m. on August 1, 2025, within Los Padres National Forest near Highway 166, west of Cuyama, impacting areas in both counties adjacent to that region.
- Hot, dry, and windy conditions, including northwest winds gusting 15-25 mph, contributed to rapid fire growth and prompted evacuation orders and road closures along Highway 166.
- Firefighters operating under the direction of the state’s interagency Incident Management Team 5 continued building fire lines along La Brea Road and inspecting previous containment boundaries, while safeguarding structures in vulnerable canyon areas.
- By the evening of August 3, the fire grew to over 65,000 acres with 5% containment, threatened around 360 residences, caused three injuries, and produced smoke blankets over nearby communities.
- Evacuation orders expanded across both counties covering nearly 600 square miles, temporary shelters opened, and officials urged residents to register for emergency alerts as the cause remains under investigation.
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14 Articles
Marin Independent JournalReposted by 
The Mercury news
The Mercury newsMap: Gifford Fire growing aggressively near Santa Maria
California’s Gifford Fire surpassed 100 square miles in its third day, forcing new evacuation orders in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. At the end of Sunday, Aug. 3, the wildfire was mapped at 65,061 acres (101 square miles) — an increase of more than 25,000 acres for the day, said fire managers for the U.S. Forest Service. Gifford is the second-biggest California wildfire this year, having surpassed Palisades on Saturday. Evacuation…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 36%
C 64%
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