Santa Maria, CA – On August 1, 2025, at 1:54 PM, a wildfire, later named the Gifford Fire, erupted along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria, California, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatch logs. The blaze, which rapidly spread through dry brush, is believed to have been allegedly sparked by a vehicle towing a trailer with a flat tire. CHP reports indicate the vehicle was driving on its rim, causing sparks to ignite the roadside vegetation.
Multiple reports of fires along Highway 166 followed, with callers notifying authorities of flames by 1:58 PM. The Los Padres National Forest and CAL FIRE were notified, with ground and air resources quickly deployed to combat the blaze, which was burning actively on both sides of the highway. By Sunday, August 3, the fire had exploded to nearly 65,061 acres, prompting evacuations and the closure of Highway 166 between Highway 101 and Cuyama.
Controversy has emerged over statements from Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office, which claimed the fire did not originate on California property. However, Highway 166 is managed by Caltrans, a state agency, through a public easement, and images show the fire’s origin point along the roadside, where dry brush was reportedly just two feet from the lane’s white line. Critics argue that the failure to clear this vegetation contributed to the fire’s rapid spread and have accused the governor’s office of allegedly disseminating misleading information.
As firefighting efforts continue, the Gifford Fire has injured three people and threatens communities in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Authorities urge residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid the area. For updates, visit ReadySBC.org or EmergencySLO.org.
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