All Evacuation Orders Reduced to Warnings as Gifford Fire Nears Full Containment

Updated by the edhat staff
10:30 a.m., August 25, 2025

The Gifford Fire has been holding at 131,614 acres and 95% containment for several days.

As of Monday, August 25, all evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings while previous areas under warning have been lifted. Although these zones are opened for residents, they are not open for recreation. There will be a virtual meeting tonight, August 25th at 6:00 PM. The virtual community meeting can be viewed on the Los Padres National Forest Facebook page or YouTube site.

There are 106 structures threatened with 0 residents evacuated and 5 structures destroyed.

The fire sparked off Highway 166 that on August 1 and is located near the Gifford Trailhead, about 30 miles east of Santa Maria. The fire quickly spread to both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. 

The fire is also close to the most recent Madre Fire burn scar that was fully contained just four days prior to the Gifford Fire starting.Heavy Equipment working on Gifford Fire (Photo: LPNF)

Afternoon thunderstorms impacted fire activities again on Sunday initiating lighting safety protocols for the crews. The thunderstorms brought increased winds and lighting however, no measurable precipitation was reported. Fuels continue to follow seasonal trends, remaining extremely dry. In the northwest portion of the fire, crews continue constructing and strengthening fire lines. In the remainder of the fire, crews address areas of concern that potentially threaten containment lines. The majority of current fire activity is well within the fire line, as pockets of unburned fuel continue to be consumed.

Friday, August 15, marked the anniversary of the 1979 Spanish Ranch Fire, when four firefighters from the Nipomo Fire Station—Captain Ed Marty and Firefighters Scott Cox, Ron Lorant, and Steve Manley—lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Their sacrifice led to lasting improvements in firefighter safety. We honor their memory and the commitment of all who serve on the fireline,” the Los Padres National Forest stated.

Los Padres Forest firefighters on scene of the Gifford Fire off Highway 166 east of Santa Maria on August 3, 2025 (Photo: Los Padres National Forest)

Evacuations

All evacuation orders in Santa Barbara County have been lifted. All evacuation orders in San Luis Obispo County have been reduced to warnings.

For information on evacuations in San Luis Obispo County which has multiple alert and notification systems for emergency information, please visit PrepareSLO.org  |  ReadySlo.org/wea.

EVACUATION SHELTERS

• Santa Margarita Community Hall (22501 I St, Santa Margarita).
• The New Life Student Center, 941 N Oak Park Way, Pismo Beach.
• The American Red Cross can also be contacted for assistance at 805-678-3073.

ANIMAL EVACUATION ASSISTANCE: 

• Large Animals, please call the County Animal Services Disaster Hotline at 805-681-4332.
  • Horse Emergency Evacuation Team (HEET) at 805-466-7457
  • The Elks Rodeo Grounds, 4040 Highway 101, Santa Maria. Enter at Morningside Drive Gate 2.
• Small/domestic animals, the following locations are available:
  • SLO County Animal Services – 875 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo; Please call (805) 781- 4800 for assistance and in advance of arrival so staff can prepare.

Injuries

Three individuals have been injured as a result of the fire. One civilian was transported by helicopter to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment with burn injuries.

Two contractor employees were injured in a UTV rollover incident— one sustained moderate injuries and was hoist-rescued and transported by helicopter, while the other sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance. Both were taken to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Additional evacuations have been issued.

Road Closures

Original Report

There were originally 4 separate fires, or start points, that were reported along the north side of Highway 166. This fire is within the Los Padres National Forest. Ground crews immediately called for air resources to suppress the fires.

Within an hour, smoke was visible from ALERTCalifornia cameras at Plowshare Peak and La Panza, which can be seen below.