SIT REP 2: MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025 @ 2015 PT

Photo Updated @ 2125 PT

Fire continues to burn, and, as of tonight’s update, it is burning on both sides of the highway. The fire behavior is being reported as more active with a high rate of spread, primarily on the southern portion of the area.

Photo Credit: City of Merced Fire Department

It appears firefighters originally responded to multiple unknown number of wildfires along Hwy 166, west of Cuyama on Friday afternoon, August 1,2025, from the U.S. Forest Service with the Los Padres National Forest.

There is a total of 1,910 firefighters along with multiple other types of crews, engines, helicopters, and an overhead IMT. (CIIMT Team 5) They are in Unified Command with Santa Barbara County Fire and CALFIRE.

Map Credit: CAL FIRE

It now burned up to 72,460 acres and has a 3% containment status.

The cause is still being listed as undetermined and under investigation by Officials. It appears in the photo below that a red retardant line is protecting this webcam and communications infrastructure.

Photo Credit: ALERT California / PG&E

SIT REP 1: SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025, @ 1820 PT

CALIFORNIA (USA) – A wildfire ignited at 1544 hours PDT on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2025, located on Hwy 166, about 15 miles southeast of Santa Maria in both Counties of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

Photo Credit | ALERT California / PG&E

EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/8/1/gifford-fire

SHELTERS:  For sheltering assistance, please call the American Red Cross at 805-678-3073.

  •  Benjamin Foxen Elementary School, 4949 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria. (Temporary)
  • Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, 4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama (Temporary)
    • Residents can access this location for relief from the heat and smoke, and other resources.
    • N95 masks, water bottles, and incident information are available onsite.
    • This location is open on Sunday, August 3, until 7:00PM

ANIMAL SHELTERS:

  • Large Animals – please call the County Animal Services Disaster Hotline at 805-681-4332.
    • The Elks Rodeo Grounds is open for large animal evacuation at 4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria.  Enter the Morningside Drive Gate 2.
  • Small/domestic animal, the following locations are available:
    • 548 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria (open until 6pm)
    • 1501 W Central Ave, Lompoc (open until 6pm)
    • 5473 Overpass Rd, Goleta (open until 6pm)
    • 111 Commerce Dr, Buellton (open to 5pm)

Photo Courtesy: Inciweb

COMMAND: The management of the fire incident is under the CAIIMT 5, which assumed command on Sunday, August 3rd. The incident is under Unified Command with the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

AIR QUALITY: https://www.ourair.org/

TFR (TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION): Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. A FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect, and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. For more information on drones, the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!”

RESOURCES: There is a total of 561 personnel.

CURRENT STATUS: The fire has burned about 39,676 acres, and there is a 5% containment status. The fire behavior has been observed as active with spotting and wind-driven runs.

(c) 2025 NW FIRE BLOG