Madre Fire Nearly 77 Percent Contained as of Saturday

Updated as of 10:00 a.m., July 11, 2025

As of July 12, the Madre Fire is estimated to be 80,786 acres with 77% containment.

There are 50 structures threatened, 1 destroyed structure, 1 damaged structure, and 1 firefighter injury.

Work continues along the west, northwest, northeast, and southwest of the fire perimeter to strengthen both – direct and indirect – containment lines as well as mop-up and patrol to ensure lines are secure.

Dozer and handcrews are engaged on rugged terrain along the southeast flank, with ongoing efforts focused on structure protection and securing Highway 166. Aerial resources will continue to support ground operations with targeted drops as weather and visibility allow. Ongoing suppression repair efforts are focused on portions of the fire perimeter where containment has been secured, and conditions remain stable.

EVACUATIONS: Interactive Evacuation Map

Some evacuation areas have been downgraded, others have been removed, and some remain in place. The County of San Luis Obispo has multiple alert and notification systems for emergency information, please visit – PrepareSLO.org and ReadySlo.org

For the latest information on evacuations and available resources for Santa Barbara County, please visit ReadySBC.org

Closures

Hwy 166 reopened as of 6:00pm Tuesday evening. If traveling through the area please use caution as firefighters, heavy equipment, and crews continue to work in the area.

All BLM lands in Carrizo Plain National Monument are closed to public access until further notice for public and firefighter safety. Entry is prohibited and violators face federal penalties including fines and possible imprisonment. Please see Emergency Closure Order for additional information.

Weather

The current forecast calls for hot and dry conditions. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90’s, with relative humidities in the mid-teens. Winds will be predominantly from the northeast at 7-12 mph, with gusts up to 24 mph. Mid-week temperatures are expected to rise, with valleys approaching the low 100’s, with relative humidities decreasing and poor overnight recovery.

Updated as of 9:53 p.m., July 3, 2025

The Madre Fire has surged to 52,952 acres, making it the largest wildfire this year. Containment of the fire is currently at just 10%. Over 590 personnel are working towards putting out the fire, including two helicopters, seven air tankers, engines, and hand crews.

Evacuation warnings remain in effect across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, as well as several other areas affected by wildfire smoke. Temporary evacuation point listed on the InciWeb website is CA Valley CSD – 13080 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.

Various emergency departments from all over the state are working towards addressing the situation, as weather conditions allow. However, extremely hot and dry winds are expected to persist until Saturday, making fire control especially difficult. Highway 166 remains closed as air quality has been severely impacted.

Updated as of 8:00 a.m, July 3, 2025

The fire is estimated at more than 35,000 acres and 5% contained as of Thursday morning. It is burning east-northeast onto the Carrizo Plain.

Los Padres is in Unified Command with Calfire SLO and the Bureau of Land Management. A full response was initiated that included seven air tankers, and two helicopters along with multiple engines and hand crews.

Evacuation orders have been expanded. There are currently 208 people evacuated with 50 structures threatened.

Evacuation Orders Expanded

The following zones are under an evacuation order:
LPF-017, SLC-226, SLC-264, SLC-265, SLC-299, SLC-312, SLC-337, SLC-338

The following zones are under an evacuation warning:
San Luis Obispo County – SLC-263, SLC-298, SLC-300, SLC-313, SLC-339, SLC-358

Santa Barbara County – East of the Rock Front Area, West of Cottonwood Canyon Rd, and South of Highway 166.

Temporary Evacuation Point has been set up at the CA Valley CSD – 13080 Soda Lake Rd, Santa Margarita, CA 93453.

Evacuation information can be found here.

Madre Fire Grows to 10,000 Acres

Updated as of 6:45 p.m, July 2, 2025

Firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire that erupted along Highway 166 on Wednesday afternoon, midway between Santa Maria and Cuyama.

The fire, dubbed the “Madre Fire,” was first reported at approximately 1:05 p.m. east of Sycamore Creek and just west of Rock Front Ranch.

The fire has grown to 9,800 acres as of Wednesday evening with evacuation orders and warnings now in place. It’s currently burning east-northeast onto the Carrizo Plain. Los Padres is in Unified Command with CalFire SLO and the Bureau of Land Management. A full response was initiated that includes seven air tankers, and two helicopters along with multiple engines and hand crews.

Evacuation Orders & Warnings

Evacuation Orders
Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access. Evacuation Orders issued for the following zones:

• SLC-337

Evacuation Warnings
Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now. Evacuation Warnings issued for the following zones:

• SLC-312

Visit CalFire for the full map.

Challenging Weather Conditions Complicate Firefighting Efforts

The National Weather Service reports difficult firefighting weather conditions, with temperatures near the fire reaching 95 degrees, winds gusting up to 15 mph, and humidity holding at a low 20%. These factors could hamper containment efforts and increase the fire’s rate of spread.

As of Wednesday evening, NWS stated visible satellites show the Madre Fire affecting interior San Luis Obispo County, with a smoke plume spreading southeast of the fire over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and County of Santa Barbara Health Department issued an Air Quality Watch for Santa Barbara County to be in effect until conditions improve.

The Madre Fire is producing significant smoke; currently, ground-level conditions are good to moderate countywide. Levels of smoke and particles, and areas affected, will vary. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant women, and children, should limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when high concentrations of smoke and particles are in the air.

Visible satellite shows the #MadreFire affecting interior San Luis Obispo County, with a smoke plume spreading SE of the fire over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. In the latest update, the fire is over 8300 acres. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/ZezTxlqfG9

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 3, 2025

Road Closures

Authorities are urging residents and travelers to stay clear of the area.

Updates on containment progress and any potential evacuations will be provided as more information becomes available.