Largest California wildfire of the year explodes in size

A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California exploded in size as dry, hot weather Thursday raised the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the July Fourth holiday.

The Madre Fire became California’s largest blaze so far this year, ripping through grasslands after breaking out Wednesday in southeastern San Luis Obispo County. It swiftly grew to more than 82 square miles. It was just 10% contained by Thursday evening.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for communities near State Route 166 as flames moved through hilly terrain toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, about 45 miles east of Santa Maria. The region about 125 miles northwest of Los Angeles contains vast grasslands that draw visitors in the spring to see its wildflowers.

Part of Route 166 East was closed Thursday, and there was “no estimate for re-opening.

The fire was pushed by summer gusts that typically increase as the sun starts going down, said meteorologist Ryan Kittell with the National Weather Service.

Dozens of smaller wildfires were burning across the state.

Southern California’s Wolf Fire reached 55% containment Thursday after charring more than 3.7 square miles of dry brush since breaking out June 29 in Riverside County east of Los Angeles.


(KEYT via AP)