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Fast moving wildfires in Central California reached the state’s biggest this year after exploding overnight as hot temperatures and dry conditions increased the risk of wildfires ahead of the July 4 holiday.
According to Cal Fire, Madre Fire broke out on the afternoon of July 2nd in a remote central California area near Highway 166. The fire spread rapidly to more than 35,000 acres overnight as it burned grasslands in parts of Rospadres National Park.
By 5pm on July 3rd, Cal Fire data showed that the fire had risen to over 52,000 acres, including only 5%. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for small communities near Highway 166 as the fire moved towards Kariso Plain National Monument, about 69 miles southeast of San Luis Obispo, California.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles said images of the satellite show flames affecting the interior of San Luis Obispo County, with smoke feathers spreading southeast of the fire in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Videos and images shared by the US Forest Service showed smoke-filled skies and flames along hill-like terrain.
“Due to current weather, terrain and fuel conditions, the fire has seen exponential growth in several counties surrounding the San Luis Obispo County area within 24 hours,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement on July 3. “The effects of smoke will be far-reaching.”
The Madre Fire is now California’s largest wildfire in 2025, surpassing the Los Angeles area fire that devastated parts of the area. According to Cal Fire, Eton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres in January, while Palisade Fire burned more than 23,000 acres.
The cause of the Madre fire is under investigation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the fire would begin on federally managed land and spread towards the state. The governor’s office noted that the state “surges” “critical” Cal fire resources to support fire responses and is working with federal and local partners.
“(Cal Fire) has rapidly deployed airlines and ground resources to support federal partners,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement. “The nation always appears to protect all communities — even if a fire begins.”
As of July 3rd, no injuries or damages have been reported as a result of the fire, according to the Cal Fire. The San Luis Obispo County Fire Department said about 208 people had been evacuated earlier that day, and 50 structures were threatened by the flames.
The California Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said all BLM land in the Kariso Plain National Monument has been closed for public access due to the fire.
“This emergency closure is for the safety of public and firefighters,” BLM said in a statement. “Entry is prohibited and offenders face federal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Cal Fire said.
The fire will arrive before the holiday on July 4th.
The Madre Fire will come in the same way as many of the US braces, one of the most prone to wildfires of the year, USA Today reported.
“There is a huge surge in the number of human-raised wildfires in the United States around the July 4 holiday in connection with improper use of fireworks,” AEM senior meteorologist James Aman previously told USA Today.
Aman said the highest concentration of wildfires caused by fireworks occurs in the western half of the country, mainly in national parks, national forests and other rural areas.
Cal Fire warned the public of the risk of wildfires from the July 4th fireworks. Since 2024, fireworks have caused more than $35 million in property damage across California, causing 1,230 fires.
On July 2, Cal Fire said it has responded to more than 65 wildfires (which burned more than 150 acres) across the state in the last 24 hours. The fires have encouraged evacuation in some areas, caused smoke-like conditions, and affected infrastructure and habitat.
A wolf fire in Riverside County near Bananing, California, about 85 miles east of Los Angeles, has burned more than 2,000 acres since it began on June 29th.
“As we enter July, California is intensifying, and the risk of wildfires is also increasing,” Cal Fire said in a statement. “It’s more important than ever to practice fire safety at home and outdoors, as hot and dry conditions come first.”
Contributed by: Doyle Rice, USA Today
