The Gifford Fire burning in central California has burned more than 119,000 acres as of early Monday, having expanded to reach "megafire" status since it began earlier in August.

Newsweek contacted U.S. Forest Service for comment via email on Monday.

Why It Matters

Three civilians and seven firefighters have been injured by the fire, which has affected portions of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Cal Fire also said the blaze had destroyed at least two structures and threatened nearly 3,000 more.

What To Know

The Gifford fire began on August 1 from multiple smaller fires along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield.

Officials said that more than 4,000 personnel had been invol

See Full Page