The Elks Unocal Event Center in has been transformed into a full-scale fire camp, supporting nearly 3,000 personnel battling the massive Gifford fire burning east of Santa Maria.

The fire, which began as a series of spot fires along Highway 166 northeast of Santa Maria on Aug. 1, has grown rapidly, consuming 98,397 acres as of Thursday afternoon and blanketing surrounding communities in smoke and falling ash. The fire is 15% contained, with 1,515 structures threatened, none destroyed, according to Cal Fire.

There have been four firefighter injuries and three civilians injured.

“This fire grew tens of thousands of acres overnight for the first few nights,” said Olivia Duba, a Santa Barbara County Fire public information officer trainee, as she stood amid fire operations at the center Thu

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