(This story was updated to add new information.)
The Gifford Fire off the Central Coast has grown to over 82,000 acres as of Tuesday, Aug. 5, as firefighters responded to several new starts across the state the day prior, including the Gold Fire and Rosa Fire in Southern California.
The wildfire, which the Los Padres National Forest said threatens 872 structures, has injured three people, one of whom was treated for burn injuries. It has also prompted evacuation orders for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
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As of the morning of Aug. 5, the Gifford Fire has been 7% contained, according to a morning update from the Los Padres National Forest, as officials say they anticipate more “helicopter assets” and aircraft that can deliver “very significant water drops” on Tuesday.
The Gifford Fire surpassed the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this year in acreage. This blaze comes amid Cal Fire’s forecast of “above-normal large fire activity by July and August.”
Here’s an overview of the Gifford Fire and three other fires in California, including two that ignited on Monday.
Where is the Gifford Fire in California?
The Gifford Fire is burning within the Los Padres National Forest and is northeast of Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. Officials noted over the weekend that the fire was near the Madre Fire burn scar. That wildfire, which broke out in early July, burned over 80,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County.
When did the Gifford Fire start?
The Gifford Fire rages through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025.
The Gifford Fire began on Aug. 1 when firefighters responded to reports of multiple wildfires along Highway 166 west of Cuyama, according to an incident report.
What is the Gifford Fire cause?
The cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said.
Riverside County fire today: Rosa Fire update
Fire crews battle the Rosa Fire that began burning along Highway 74 west of Ribbonwood in Riverside County, Calif., on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The Rosa Fire ignited on Monday, Aug. 4, near Ribbonwood, south of Palm Desert in Riverside County. The 1,200-acre blaze, which prompted evacuation orders and warnings for several communities, has been 5% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Cal Fire.
Fire in San Bernardino National Forest: Gold Fire update
The Gold Fire ignited in the Holcomb Valley area, north of Big Bear, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.
The Gold Fire started on Monday in the San Bernardino National Forest in the Holcomb Valley area. The fire grew to 936 acres and is 5% contained, said Chole Castillo, a spokesperson for the Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit, in an email to the Desert Sun. According to the last report made by officials on Monday, the fire was 348 acres and 0% contained.
Fire in Lake County: Lake Fire in Clearlake update
Officials responded to a wildfire in the afternoon of Aug. 3 and prompted evacuation orders for some parts of Lake County at 401 acres as of 7 a.m. on Aug. 5, said Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit. The Lake Fire, off Eastlake Drive in Clearlake, is 60% contained. Officials said on Monday, Aug. 4, that the fire destroyed or damaged nine buildings.
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Desert Sun reporter Sam Morgen contributed to this story.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Gifford Fire today: Gold Fire, Rosa Fire and more updates