Gifford Fire burns more than 83,000 acres as officials find where it ignited

The cause of the Gifford Fire, which has now burned nearly 84,000 acres in south-central California since Friday, is still under investigation. However, officials said it may have ignited near a highway.

Largest wildfire so far this year in California

The Gifford Fire began as four smaller fires along Highway 166 that combined and torched both sides of the road. It has since become the largest wildfire in California so far this year, surpassing the Madre Fire, which burned nearly 81,000 acres in the same region in July.

As of the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Gifford Fire was 9% contained. On Tuesday, officials reported that it threatened more than 800 structures as it burned through areas of Los Padres National Forest.

Three people hurt

Three people were hurt in the fire. One resident was hospitalized with burn injuries, and two government workers were hurt after their UTV rolled, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The cause of the Gifford Fire still remains unknown, but The New York Times reported that there is a “strong possibility” that its location suggests it was caused by vehicles. It could take years to pinpoint the official cause.

Evacuations and firefighting efforts

The Gifford Fire forced some evacuations, but only a few hundred people were impacted in largely rural areas. 

More than 1,900 fire personnel are fighting to contain the Gifford fire, according to The Associated Press.

Humans cause most fires

According to the Pacific Biodiversity Institute, 50% more wildfires are sparked within roughly 650 feet of a road as opposed to those ignited by “random distribution.” In regions far from roads, there are far fewer wildfires, the 2007 study found.

Around 90% of fires are caused by humans, and although carelessly flicked cigarettes and people failing to properly extinguish campfires are responsible for some wildfires, fires that spark near roads are largely caused by vehicles.

According to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership and other officials, fires caused by vehicles can be due to sparks from trailer chains dragging on the road, worn away brakes and exposed wheel rims from underinflated tires. They also note, hot exhaust pipes or mufflers can catch dry grass on fire when vehicles are parked alongside the road.

Above average wildfire season

As of July 21, CalFire reported that 4,423 wildfires have hit the state in 2025. That’s up 14% from the same time last year. The total acres burned increased 76% and both numbers are higher than the average over the past five years.