The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County started as a 100-acre grass fire and escalated to 35,500 acres within 24 hours with just 5% containment. It ignited around 1 pm along Highway 166, and the origin is under investigation. Highway 166 remains closed, and the fire is now the largest in California for the year, surpassing those in Los Angeles in January. The blaze is affecting air quality in neighboring Santa Barbara County, driven by wind and local topography. Conditions are expected to worsen with hot weather and 25-mph winds aiding growth.
The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County grew from 100 acres to 35,500 acres in less than 24 hours, with only 5% containment reported by Cal Fire.
The fire originated around 1 pm along Highway 166 and its cause is currently under investigation. Highway 166 remains closed in the area.
At over 35,000 acres, the Madre Fire is currently the largest wildfire in California this year, surpassing Los Angeles's January wildfires.
Conditions including hot, dry weather and 25-mph winds are contributing to the fire's rapid expansion, and smoke is impacting air quality in neighboring counties.
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