Gifford Fire in California grows to more than 72K acres as firefighters battle blaze

Fire crews were battling a massive wildfire in central California on Aug. 4 as the blaze spread across the Sierra Madre mountains, injuring at least three people and threatening hundreds of structures.

The Gifford Fire, which broke out on Aug. 1, is located within the Los Padres National Forest in Solvang, California, impacting residents in the coastal counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Nearly 2,000 firefighters were struggling to contain the fire that had already scorched more than 72,000 acres and was only 3% contained as of 7 p.m. local time on Aug. 4, according to Cal Fire.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for areas in the two counties, and State Route 166 was closed due to flames on both sides of the road, according to Cal Fire. The agency said the blaze threatened about 460 structures, and officials have confirmed at least three injuries as a result of the fire.

One person suffered burn injuries and was transported by helicopter to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria in northern Santa Barbara County for treatment, Cal Fire said. Two contractor employees assisting firefighters sustained minor to moderate injuries in a UTV rollover incident and were also taken to Marian Regional Medical Center.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/gifford-fire-california-grows-more-233443653.html