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Madre Fire Grows to 70,800 Acres, Containment Holds at 10%

Federal, state and local agencies under a unified command are deploying aircraft and ground crews to battle the blaze, with evacuation orders, highway closures and air quality alerts still in place.

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The Madre wildfire burns on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif.

Overview

  • The wildfire has scorched approximately 70,800 acres in San Luis Obispo County and remains just 10 percent contained.
  • A unified command led by the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and the Bureau of Land Management has mobilized over 600 personnel, four helicopters and dozens of engines.
  • Evacuation orders covering multiple zones around State Route 166 have displaced more than 200 residents and prompted the closure of eastbound Route 166 from U.S. 101 to Perkins Road.
  • Smoke plumes have degraded air quality across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, leading officials to issue health warnings for sensitive groups.
  • Hot, dry conditions with gusts up to 40 mph continue to drive rapid fire growth, and investigators have not yet determined its cause.