In Southern California, a massive inferno has earned the title of ‘megafire’ as it becomes the largest wildfire in the state this year.
This year has been challenging for California, beginning with the notorious LA wildfires, which devastated entire neighborhoods, resulting in the death of 30 residents and displacing thousands.
Recently, the Madre Fire scorched around 81,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County, and now locals are apprehensive about the Gifford Fire, which has consumed 104,402 acres.
California has deployed 3,685 firefighters to combat the blaze, utilizing 21 helicopters, 267 fire engines, 142 bulldozers, 98 water tenders, and 86 different crews. Despite these efforts, the fire is only 21 percent contained.
Thus far, the fire has injured three civilians and five firefighters, while damaging just two properties.
Los Padres National Forest provided an update on the blaze’s status: “The Gifford Fire advanced into the rugged Garcia Wilderness and is now threatening the Machesna Mountain Wilderness, fueled by two large fire columns observed yesterday afternoon.
“Overnight, crews worked to reinforce control lines stretching from Avenales Ranch Road and the Salinas River to Hi Mountain Road and the Huasna River, with the goal of preventing the fire from spreading beyond the Garcia Wilderness.
“On the northeast corner between Pelados Road and Pilitas Mountain, crews successfully contained the fire growth from yesterday, located south of the major power transmission line.”
The statement continued: “However, a new slopover north of the line has become a top priority today to prevent the fire from spreading into the Machesna Wilderness. Dozer and hand crews will be connecting new control lines from the Madre Fire burn scar to the Los Machos Hills while assessing any threats to key facilities.”
“In the San Rafael Wilderness to the south, crews continue to advance handline construction, tying into existing control lines and are supported by aircraft with water drops. On the southeast side, crews are constructing both direct and contingency fire lines while improving Sierra Madre Road. On the southwest side, firefighters are developing a contingency plan from Buckhorn Ridge to Sisquoc and reinforcing existing lines, while also mopping up interior hot spots.
“Overall, firefighters are focused on maintaining and enhancing containment lines, using aircraft to cool hot spots in steep terrain, and protecting communities, infrastructure, and critical values at risk.”
The forecast predicts continued hot and dry conditions, with temperatures in San Luis Obispo County expected to rise into the 90s while humidity drops.
Adding to the challenge, upcanyon winds with gusts around 20mph are anticipated this afternoon.
“We have hot weather, and we have low relative humidity,” explained Santa Barbara County Fire Dept. Capt. Scott Safechuck to AP. “So we expect extreme fire behavior.”