A wildfire known as the Gifford fire in California's Los Padres national forest has burned over 72,000 acres and is threatening hundreds of homes. The fire is only 7% contained and has injured at least three individuals, including a motorist hospitalized due to severe burn injuries. The fire has prompted evacuation orders in parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and has forced highway closures. The blaze originated from multiple smaller fires and is actively consuming brushland in steep terrain, with the cause still under investigation.
The Gifford fire has already scorched more than 72,000 acres in coastal Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, and was still burning out of control on Tuesday morning.
The blaze threatened about 450 structures and forced the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, with evacuation orders in effect in parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
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