The Gifford Fire burning in California's Central Coast in Santa Barbara County has reached "megafire" status and has become the state's largest fire in 2025.

As of Sunday afternoon on Aug. 17, more than two weeks after ignition, the blaze has reached 131,589 acres and was 89% contained as more than 4,000 firefighters continue battling flames, according to Cal Fire. The fire burning in the rugged Garcia Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest and is threatening nearly 3,000 structures.

Gifford Fire burns more than 119,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 11, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife BENJAMIN HANSON/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

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