Firefighters battling the Gifford Fire will continue backfiring operations on Wednesday in the Garcia Wilderness in an attempt to slow the fire’s spread.

Those operations began on Tuesday, and as that work continues, officials say people near the northern perimeter of the fire should expect to see more smoke.

The Gifford Fire broke out on August 1, along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria. As of Wednesday morning, it has burned 125,272 acres across both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. It is currently 37% contained.

The northwest area of the fire remains the firefighters’ main focus, with crews mopping up and patrolling other areas along the fire's perimeter to ensure the fire remains within containment lines.

More than 820 structures remain threatened, and 780 residents are un

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