Watch: Wildfire Intensifies Due to Extreme Heat
7/4/2025 9:27:00 AM
A wildfire known as the “Madre Fire” broke out in San Luis Obispo County in central California and quickly became the largest blaze the state has seen this year due to extreme heat and drought conditions.
In less than 24 hours, the fire scorched a vast area of 52,593 acres (212.8 square kilometers), with containment at just 5% as of the evening of Thursday, July 3.
The fire intensified due to summer winds reaching speeds of up to 64 km/h and temperatures exceeding 35°C, creating conditions ideal for the flames to spread.
The blaze is moving through exposed hills and valleys toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, hampering firefighting efforts.
Evacuation orders were issued for communities near Highway 166, with parts of the road closed due to the approaching flames.
In less than 24 hours, the fire scorched a vast area of 52,593 acres (212.8 square kilometers), with containment at just 5% as of the evening of Thursday, July 3.
The fire intensified due to summer winds reaching speeds of up to 64 km/h and temperatures exceeding 35°C, creating conditions ideal for the flames to spread.
The blaze is moving through exposed hills and valleys toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, hampering firefighting efforts.
Evacuation orders were issued for communities near Highway 166, with parts of the road closed due to the approaching flames.