The Gifford Fire has expanded to cover 101,933 acres as of Friday morning, making it California's largest wildfire this year. Fire crews are facing challenges, with only 15% containment reported. Rapid spread at the fire's northwest corner led to expanded evacuation orders affecting 840 square miles, threatening nearly 3,000 structures. The fire ignited along Highway 166 on August 1, and its cause is still being investigated. Dry and windy weather is expected to persist, worsening fire conditions over the weekend.
As of Friday morning, the Gifford Fire had burned 101,933 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, with 15% containment reported by the U.S. Forest Service.
Evacuation orders were expanded due to rapid fire spread, covering 840 square miles and threatening almost 3,000 structures in the vicinity.
The dry and windy weather conditions fueling the fire spread are expected to persist through the weekend, with high temperatures near 100 and humidity below 20%.
The Gifford Fire started on August 1 along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria, and its cause is currently under investigation.
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