Massive Wildfire Threatens California Homes, Injures Three
Santa Maria, Aug 5 (AP) — A massive wildfire that erupted on Monday is now threatening hundreds of homes in central California, having already injured at least three people as it sweeps through the Los Padres National Forest.
The Gifford Fire has scorched over 100 square miles (260 square kilometers) across coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and it continues to burn out of control. This is according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. A motorist was hospitalized with burn injuries after attempting to escape his vehicle and being overtaken by the flames, explained Flemming Bertelson, a spokesperson for the US Forest Service. Additionally, two contract employees aiding firefighters sustained injuries when their all-terrain vehicle overturned.
The blaze currently threatens around 450 structures and has resulted in the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria. This city, home to about 110,000 residents in Santa Barbara County, is located approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. Known for its wine industry, the region is characterized by its hilly terrain, dotted with sprawling California live oaks and sycamore trees.
The fire originated from at least four smaller fires that ignited on Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. "That gave us multiple fronts, and the flames started fanning out in many directions," Bertelson said. "The fire is gobbling up chaparral and brushland and running up very steep slopes."
As aircraft perform water drops on the advancing flames, ranchers are evacuating cattle. More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, contending with hot, dry weather and erratic winds. They aim to make significant progress before winds are expected to increase around dusk. The causes of the fires remain under investigation.
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