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California's Gifford Fire Nears ‘Megafire’ Status As Crews Battle Dangerous Heat, Expanding Flames

California’s largest wildfire of 2025 is growing rapidly, prompting urgent evacuations as fire-fueling heat grips the region.

By Jenn Jordan • 3 hours ago

( AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego )

The Gifford Fire has now scorched more than 96,000 acres of land in southern California. Officials say the blaze is on the brink of becoming a "megafire," the term used for wildfires exceeding 100,000 acres.

Fueled by nearly triple-digit heat, bone-dry conditions and inaccessible terrain, the fire has exploded in size since igniting along Highway 166 less than a week ago.

On Thursday, evacuation orders were expanded westward, bringing the total evacuation zone t

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