According to CalFire, a wildfire on Highway 166 near New Cuyama has burned 79,936 acres and prompted multiple evacuation orders and warnings in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Kern counties.
The Madre Fire began Wednesday afternoon and is only 30% contained as of Sunday morning, according to fire officials.
One structure has been destroyed, 50 are still threatened, and over 1,358 people are battling the flames with the help of air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews.
According to the United States Forest Service, the Madre Fire is California’s largest blaze in 2025.
The Los Padres National Forest, CalFire San Luis Obispo, and the Bureau of Land Management are all working together to control the fire. The cause is still under investigation.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings
Evacuation orders are in effect for Zone LPF-017 of the Los Padres National Forest, as well as Zones SLC-226, SLC-240, SLC-263, SLC-264, SLC-265, SLC-298, SLC-299, SLC-300, SLC-312, SLC-313, SLC-337, SLC-338, SLC-339, and SLC-358 in San Luis Obispo County.
Zones SLC-225, SLC-239, SLC-266, SLC-301, SLC-359, SLC-365, SLC-366, and SLC-367 in San Luis Obispo County; Zones KRN-245, KRN-249, KRN-259, and KRN-281-B in Kern County; and portions of Santa Barbara County east of the Rock Front area, west of Cottonwood Canyon Road, and south of Highway 166 have all been issued evacuation warnings.
The incident requires 60 engines, 26 water tenders, 28 bulldozers, 34 hand crews, and 16 helicopters. Air operations are continuing as long as the weather permits.
The public is encouraged to check official sources for real-time updates and to follow all evacuation instructions.
