California's Gifford Fire Explodes To Over 65,000 Acres, Air Quality In Las Vegas Severely Impacted

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 09:45 IST

Smoke from the blaze has drifted into neighboring states, affecting air quality in the Las Vegas Valley and creating hazy skies.

Gifford Fire has grown significantly since it started on Friday. (Image: X)

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Central California, known as the Gifford Fire, has grown significantly since it started on Friday, now engulfing over 65,000 acres across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Smoke from the blaze has drifted into neighboring states, affecting air quality in the Las Vegas Valley and creating hazy skies at the beginning of the week.

As of Monday, Cal Fire reports that the Gifford Fire is only 3 percent contained. The fire, meanwhile, has necessitated the closure of State Route 166 between Interstate 101 and Perkins Road in New Cuyama and is threatening 460 structures in the area.

Evacuation orders are in place for communities along the highway, with updates available on the Gifford Fire Public Information Map.

At least three people have been injured, including one person who was airlifted to Marian Regional Medical Center with burns. Two contractors were also rescued after their utility vehicle overturned, with one requiring helicopter evacuation.

Firefighters are contending with significant obstacles, including steep, rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. Meteorologists caution that rising temperatures later this week could lead to hazardous plume-dominated fire behavior.

“There’s potential for building heat later in the week," said National Weather Service meteorologist Robbie Munroe, “which can create erratic and dangerous fire conditions."

Residents of Southern California counties such as Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern, as well as those in Las Vegas, are experiencing hazy skies and worsening air quality due to the drifting smoke. Officials recommend staying indoors and keeping windows closed to minimize exposure to harmful particles.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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California, USA

First Published:

August 05, 2025, 09:45 IST

News world California's Gifford Fire Explodes To Over 65,000 Acres, Air Quality In Las Vegas Severely Impacted

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