STORY: A wildfire fueled by dry, windy conditions near Santa Maria, California grew to more than 49,000 acres (198 square kilometres) on Sunday (August 3).

Authorities said the fire is located within the Los Padres National Forest, which spans parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Local media said more than 1,000 firefighters were battling the blaze from the ground and air.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Dept., the fire is threatening about 360 homes, with evacuation orders in place for some areas south of Highway 166.

The National Weather Service warned that Southern California will face elevated fire danger amid gusty winds in the coming week.

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VIDEO SHOWS: SMOKE FROM GIFFORD FIRE IN SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (RELEASED AUGUST 3, 2025) (@SBCFIREINFO VIA X - No Resale / Must on screen courtesy @SBCFireInfo via X)

1. SMOKE RISING FROM GIFFORD FIRE IN THE DISTANCE

2. CLOSER VIEW OF SMOKE FROM GIFFORD FIRE OVER A RIDGE LINE (WITH ENGLISH COMMENTARY)

3. PLANE FLIES OVER SMOKE FROM GIFFORD FIRE