firefighters

Gifford Fire containment is increasing, but the fire is still burning in many areas across more than 132,000 acres. As firefighting efforts wind down, new challenges are emerging, including erosion prevention.

Firefighters gained ground on the Gifford Fire, which continues to burn along the eastern edge of California’s Central Coast. With cooler weather on the way and containment slowly improving, crews are pushing forward with strategic operations.

The Gifford Fire burning in the hills east of Santa Maria has now become California’s largest wildfire this year, surpassing the size of last month’s Madre Fire.

Animal evacuation sites are open across Santa Barbara County as the Gifford Fire continues to burn.

In a 4-1 vote, Santa Maria city council this week approved a new pay and benefits package for local firefighters.

Firefighters from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara have been helping battle massive wildfires in Los Angeles this month, but the job can take a toll. Heath experts say firefighters can face higher rates of physical and mental health issues.

Federal firefighters who battle blazes and work to prevent them in California are staring down a looming pay cut. A local representative is among those urging Congress to act before that happens.

The small, unincorporated town of Santa Margarita has one of the last volunteer fire stations in San Luis Obispo County. It’s an important training ground for local firefighters, but it’s also facing challenges like storm damage and low funding.

Firefighters across San Luis Obispo County are getting infected with COVID-19, or have been ordered to stay home in quarantine due to possible exposure.…

Arroyo Grande city officials and community members met for over four hours this week to consider if Arroyo Grande should stay in the Five Cities Fire…