New evacuations ordered as California wildfire nears 100,000 acres
Briefly

The Gifford Fire is the largest of the year in California, burning over 96,000 acres with only 15% containment as firefighting efforts continue. Nearly 3,000 personnel are working to contain the fire, which is affecting rural areas of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. New evacuation orders were issued after strong winds pushed the fire westward. Unfavorable weather conditions, including high temperatures reaching 104 degrees and low humidity, are forecast, creating potential for unpredictable growth of the fire and impacting air quality in Southern California.
New evacuations have been ordered in Central California as the massive Gifford Fire nears 100,000 acres burned, making it the largest of the year in California.
The fire is 15% contained as of Thursday morning, with nearly 3,000 firefighting personnel engaged in efforts to control the blaze.
Hot and dry conditions are expected through the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 104 degrees and humidity dropping to single digits.
Meteorologist Bryan Lewis noted that the fire may grow unpredictably due to plumes created by the conditions, impacting areas of Southern California, including Los Angeles County.
Read at SFGATE
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