CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST ON ALL THE WILDFIRES AFFECTING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, with three major fires currently burning across the region.
The Gifford Fire, located within the Los Padres National Forest, has consumed 72,460 acres and is only 7% contained as of Tuesday. Evacuation orders remain in effect for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and Highway 166 is closed due to flames on both sides of the road. Over 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has threatened 460 structures and resulted in three injuries, including a civilian with burn injuries. The fire’s cause is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Rosa Fire in Riverside County has burned 1,200 acres and is 5% contained.
In San Bernardino County, the Gold Fire has spread across 348 acres with no containment yet.
California is on track to surpass last year’s fire season, with more than 220,000 acres already burned this year, nearly 100,000 acres more than the five-year average for this time of year.
Evacuation orders and warnings are in place for affected areas, and residents are urged to stay informed and prepared. The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District has issued an air quality alert due to smoke from the Gifford Fire, advising people to limit outdoor activities.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires, using both ground and air resources. The California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 has assumed command of the Gifford Fire, coordinating efforts to suppress the blaze.
For those needing shelter, the American Red Cross is providing assistance, and community information centers are open for evacuees. Residents with pets and livestock are advised to evacuate early, and animal evacuation services are available.
As the fires continue to pose significant challenges, officials urge the public to stay vigilant and heed evacuation orders.
Recent Comments