The Gifford Fire burning through the rugged backcountry of California's Central Coast is now the state's largest wildfire of the year. It has reached so-called "mega-fire" status and is one of 38 large fires burning across nine states.

San Luis Obispo

The Gifford fire in California's central coast has become the state's largest wildfire of 2025, surpassing 100,000 acres and reaching 'mega fire' status. Firefighters have managed to protect homes, though several outbuildings have been destroyed and residents remain on high alert for potential evacuations. 

The fire is one of 38 large wildfires burning across nine states, with significant blazes also reported in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. While progress has been made in containing some fires, including the Canyon fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the threat remains high in affected areas.

Largest California wildfire of 2025 reaches "mega fire" status

to the west now, where the Gifford fire burning through the rugged backcountry of California's central coast is now the state's largest wildfire of the year. It reached so-called mega fire status. In fact, it's one of 38 large fires burning right now across nine states. But there is some progress to report tonight. CBS's Andres Gutierrez is in the community of Costaic, north of Los Angeles. Andres. Good evening, Reid. The flames raced down this hill and ended up getting within a few feet of this house. Quick action by firefighters saved it and thousands of others. Weary fire crews put out hot spots, gaining the upper hand on the Canyon fire, which exploded to more than 5,000 acres in less than 24 hours, forcing thousands to evacuate in L.A. and Ventura counties. My son kept calling and telling me to get out of here. Fire officials say the wildfire, which began Thursday, is 28 percent contained. Letty Berrigan returned today, surprised to see her home still standing. If I don't have a home, it's OK. You know, everybody else is safe. The danger out west isn't over. Central California's Gifford fire has pushed past the mega fire status of 100,000 acres. In western Colorado, the Lee fire has consumed more than 88,000 acres. Wildfires also rage in Utah and at Arizona's Grand Canyon, closing the north rim for the season. In Maui, it's been two years since the worst wildfire in modern U.S. history destroyed the town of Lahaina and its iconic Front Street. The wildfire killed at least 102 people and displaced roughly 5,000 residents. Recovery is slow. Removing debris took a year and about 50 homes have been rebuilt. Hawaii's Governor Josh Green says the goal is to build hundreds of homes. We will do everything we can to bring resources to you, but it's your inner strength and your community strength that will get you through the day. Now, this fire has destroyed several outbuildings like this, but no homes have been lost. There are several residents who are on high alert tonight, ready to evacuate if things take a turn for the worse. Reed? Andres Gutierrez, thanks so much.

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Kyiv

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Anchorage

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Breakdown