New evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for the Huasna Valley and Lopez Lake areas due to the Gifford Fire.
Evacuation orders include zones SLC-261, SLC-262, SLC-311, and SLC-334. These zones include Huasna Valley and east of Lopez Lake. People in these areas should leave now.
Evacuation warnings are in place for zones SLC-260, SLC-296, SLC-310, SLC-333, and SLC-259. This area includes the Lopez Lake/Lopez Lake recreation area as well as south of Lopez Lake, Newsom Ridge, Tar Spring, and parts of Huasna. People in these areas are encouraged to prepare to leave if ordered.
To check if your address is included in an evacuation order or warning in San Luis Obispo County, click here.
For information on evacuation orders and warnings in Santa Barbara County, click here.
Two community meetings regarding the Gifford Fire will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday:
- Santa Barbara County Fire Station 23, 5003 Depot Street, Santa Maria; live on YouTube and Facebook
- Five Cities Fire Authority, 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande
As of Thursday morning, the Gifford Fire has burned 96,106 acres and is 15% contained; 1,515 structures are threatened.
Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck provides an update on the Gifford Fire and explains how the weather has been a major challenge:
Fire officials say they've seen success on the south side of the fire. The priority for Thursday is for crews to construct control lines west of Pine Ridge and Haystack Canyon, and on the north side, continuing direct attack along Avenales Ranch Road.
Nearly 3,000 personnel are now assigned to the fire.
Capt. Scott Safechuck on firefighting strategies and what crews expect in the coming days:
The Gifford Fire broke out along Highway 166 east of Santa Maria on Friday, August 1, and continues to burn on both sides of the highway in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Highway 166 remains closed between Highway 101 and New Cuyama with no estimated time of reopening.
