The Gifford Fire in Central California has burned over 72,000 acres since it ignited on Friday afternoon. The fire, which started near the Gifford trailhead, was reportedly sparked by a vehicle driving on a flat tire that ignited roadside brush. As of Tuesday morning, the fire has reached only 7% containment and continues to threaten more than 450 structures in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

The blaze has expanded to cover more than 100 square miles in the Cuyama Valley and Los Padres National Forest. Highway 166 remains closed in both directions between Santa Maria and Maricopa due to the fire's proximity. Flemming Bertelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, noted that the fire has developed from at least four smaller fires that erupted along Highway 166, creating multiple fronts for firefighters to manage. "The fire is gobbling up chaparral and brushland and running up very steep slopes," Bertelson said.

Evacuations have been ordered for hundreds of residents in the affected areas. Ranchers have evacuated cattle as aircraft conduct water drops to combat the advancing flames. The fire has produced a significant smoke plume visible from the Five Cities area to the Santa Ynez Valley, affecting air quality across Santa Barbara County. An air quality alert has been issued for the Cuyama area, with a watch in place for the rest of the county.

Injuries have been reported, including a motorist who was hospitalized after being overrun by flames while exiting his vehicle. Two contract workers assisting firefighters were also injured when their all-terrain vehicle overturned. More than 1,900 firefighters are currently battling the blaze under hot and dry conditions, with erratic winds expected to complicate their efforts.

The National Weather Service has warned that afternoon gusts could reach 25 mph in the fire area. Temperatures in the inland valleys are forecasted to rise into the 90s from Wednesday through Sunday. However, the following week may bring increased subtropical moisture, potentially leading to rain showers and thunderstorms in higher elevations.

In addition to the Gifford Fire, two other fires have emerged in Central California: the Rosa Fire in Riverside County and the Gold Fire in San Bernardino County. The Rosa Fire has burned 1,200 acres and is 5% contained, while the Gold Fire has consumed 348 acres and is currently 0% contained. The causes of all three fires are under investigation.

Evacuation centers have been established at Benjamin Foxen Elementary School in Santa Maria and the Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center. Residents needing assistance with livestock can contact local authorities, and domestic pets can be taken to various County Animal Services locations.