By Naveen Athrappully
A wildfire in California’s San Luis Obispo County has greatly expanded to now cover almost 70,800 acres with just 10 percent containment, according to a state government report last updated at 2:10 p.m., July 4.
The wildfire started July 2 on Highway 166 in the New Cuyama area of Santa Barbara County, south of San Luis Obispo County. Thus far, one structure has been reported destroyed with 50 structures threatened. Civilian or firefighter injuries have not been reported.
Several areas of the county are under evacuation orders, meaning people should leave immediately. CalFire included no numbers of people evacuated so far.
Over 600 personnel, 46 engines, and four helicopters have been deployed to contain the blaze. For more information, residents can contact the Madre Fire Information Line at 805-903-3424.
More than 280,000 people live in San Luis Obispo County based on U.S. Census numbers.
According to a July 3 post on X by a Colorado State University research partner, the Madre Fire has become “the state’s largest wildfire so far this year.”
The Los Padres National Forest agency, which has jurisdiction over areas affected by the wildfire, said in a July 3 Facebook post that due to the exponential growth of the fire, the smoke impacts will be far-reaching.
In a July 4 early morning Facebook post, the agency said: “San Luis Obispo County and now Kern County are experiencing various levels of evacuations. Please follow all advisories, warnings, and orders promptly.
“As we approach the holiday weekend, the Madre Fire, the largest of 2025, is a stark reminder of potential dangers. With increased visitor use and hot, dry weather, we remind the public to exercise caution around any sources that can create sparks.”
The agency said the California Interagency Incident Management Team 8 will assume command of the fire at 7 p.m. on July 5.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection warned in a July 2 Facebook post that the heat was rising in the state, and with it the risk of wildfires.
“In the past 24 hours, CalFire has responded to over 65 wildfires statewide, which have burned more than 150 acres, prompted evacuations in some areas, created smoky conditions, and impacted both infrastructure and habitats. With hotter, drier conditions ahead, it’s more important than ever to practice fire safety at home and outdoors. Do your part to prevent wildfires—and be ready, just in case. Prepare a ‘Go Bag’ and know your evacuation plan.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office issued assurances that the state remains “in lockstep with our federal partners,” and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) has “significantly increased air and ground resources in the last 24 hours to support joint efforts.
“Note: this fire remains in a very isolated location—away from homes,” the office said in an X post.
Certain areas have been closed to public access due to the spread of the fire.
The California Bureau of Land Management said in a Facebook post that all bureau lands in Carrizo Plain National Monument are closed to public access. Violators will face penalties including fines and imprisonment.
CalFire also issued a warning on July 3 asking people to be more responsible while handling fireworks.
“Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California and sparked 1,230 fires. Don’t turn a joyous holiday into a painful event,” said the post.
