New Cuyama

As firefighters battle the massive Gifford Fire on California’s Central Coast, they’re not just putting out flames—they’re making split second decisions that affect lives. One of the tough decisions? When to shut down a highway.

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.

The Plant Fire broke out on the west side of New Cuyama at around 1:20 pm on Saturday, causing evacuation orders and a stretch of Highway 166 to close. Santa Barbara County fire officials said as of 4:42 p.m. on Sunday, the blaze is at 60% containment and has burned about 5,500 acres.