Gifford Fire Becomes Largest Active Wildfire in California, Burning 82,000 Acres

The Gifford Fire, burning in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, has become the largest wildfire currently active in California. As of this afternoon, the fire has consumed over 82,000 acres and is only 7% contained. Hundreds of structures are currently threatened as fire crews continue working in challenging conditions.

The fire began last Friday as a series of smaller blazes along Highway 166, but quickly grew due to dry brush and shifting winds. Officials say the eastern side of the Gifford Fire has now reached the burn scar left by the earlier Madre Fire, which consumed 80,000 acres.

“That’s a real positive for us,” said one fire official, “because it doesn’t allow that fire to keep marching easterly where it has made contact with the Madre burn scar.”

Despite that development, authorities warn that fire behavior can change rapidly and unpredictably. “Conditions can change rapidly, and the next thing you know, they’re experiencing fire activity that they can’t even imagine,” the official added.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.