Madre fire engulfs 80,000-plus acres, but beefed-up crews and better weather bolster the fight
Briefly

The Madre fire in San Luis Obispo County has grown to over 80,000 acres, making it California's largest fire this year. As of Sunday, containment reached 30%, a significant increase due to favorable weather conditions and increased firefighter personnel. The fire initiated near New Cayuma and has led to mandatory evacuations for over 200 residents and put approximately 50 structures at risk. The fire poses a threat to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, home to various endangered species, and jurisdiction is shared among multiple agencies. Weather challenges are anticipated in the coming days.
Firefighters on Sunday were gaining control over the massive Madre fire in San Luis Obispo County, which at more than 80,000 acres remains the largest in California so far this year.
Containment on the fire had reached 30% - up from 10% Saturday - buoyed by favorable weather and a flood of personnel, said Los Padres National Forest spokesperson Andrew Madsen.
The fire started around 1 p.m. Wednesday east of Santa Maria near the town of New Cayuma. More than 200 people were subject to mandatory evacuation orders, and roughly 50 structures were under threat as of Sunday afternoon.
The bulk of the fire is threatening the Carrizo Plain National Monument, which is home to several endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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