Cuesta Grade Fire Contained in San Luis Obispo County, Cause Reportedly Due to Burn Pile

A brush was reported off the Cuesta Grade in San Luis Obispo County on October 27, 2025. It was first reported at 4:55 a.m. on private land near Mount Lowe Road. 

“The fire was caused by an escaped burn pile from 6 days ago,” stated CalFire SLO.

At 8:45 a.m. Monday, CalFire SLO stated the fire was contained to 0.15 acres and congratulated crews for keeping it small.

The Gifford Fire in August 2025 was among the notable wildfires this year in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. It broke out on August 1, burned more than 131 acres, and was fully contained by late September.

While the cause of the Gifford Fire is still under investigation, it caused injuries to three civilians and 15 firefighters, and destroyed five structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 

Elevated Wildfire Risk in 2025

California is expected to experience higher wildfire risk until the end of this year, according to CAL FIRE. Conditions are expected to improve in early 2026. 

California has been facing several incidents of fires across the state this year. As of early October 2025, 37% of the state is in drought and an additional 34% is abnormally dry.

A developing La Niña pattern is likely to result in less rain and higher temperatures through May 2026, CAL FIRE added. 

In Northern California, fire danger is likely to remain in normal levels, with around one or fewer large fires per area every month. 

The risk of fires in Southern California is higher than usual through December due to warmer temperatures, less-than-normal rainfall, and active Santa Ana winds. A major rainstorm is expected in late December 2025 or early January 2026, which could lower the fire risk. 

Fire Prevention and Preparedness

CalFire SLO provides a series of safety reminders for those conducting burn piles. Even when piles appear cold, smoldering embers can stay hot for days and reignite under the right conditions.

Before burning, always review CAL FIRE’s Burn Pile Safety Checklist at http://ReadyForWildfire.org:

• Check local burn day status
• Clear 10 feet around your pile
• Keep water and a shovel close by
• Never leave burns unattended
• Drown, stir, and feel — if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave

San Luis Obispo is no stranger to wildfires. Preparing homes is very important to minimize chances of a wildfire spreading and causing major damage. 

• Ensure there is no flammable vegetation around the home and property. Roofs and gutters should be cleaned regularly. 
• Tree branches should be cleared away from power lines. 
• Firewood should be stored at least 100 feet away from the house. 
• Garden hoses and ladders should be easily accessible from the house. 

Follow these steps in case a wildfire is heading towards your home:

• Evacuate immediately if an alert has been raised. Leave the doors unlocked to enable easy entry for firefighters. 
• Keep your car in the garage and leave the keys in the ignition. 
• All pets should be confined to one room in the house or inside the vehicle, if evacuating. 
• Ensure a disaster kit in the car. 
• Windows, vents, and doors should be closed and curtains should be removed. 
• Flammable furniture should be removed away from windows and doors. 
• Connect garden hoses to outside taps. 
• Remove shrubs within 15 feet of the house.