Gifford fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest

The Gifford fire, burning in Los Padres National Forest, has grown to more than 30,000 acres

As of Saturday evening, just 5% was contained as dry conditions and warm temperatures fueled its growth

Cal Fire is assisting federal firefighters with its containment

The Gifford fire has scorched more than 30,000 acres in less than two days in Los Padres National Forest as firefighters struggle to quell the blaze in the Sierra Madre mountains.

Wildland firefighters were continuing to battle the blaze Saturday along Highway 166 in rural Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, about 20 miles east of Santa Maria, according to the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire. But fire crews were faced with challenging conditions such as high temperatures, dry vegetation and rugged terrain.

As of Saturda