Out of Control: California wildfire triggers evacuations and highway closures — all updates here

A huge wildfire has broken out in California, quickly spreading over tens of thousands of acres in less than a day. The fire, which is now the biggest in the state this year, is forcing people to leave their homes and close highways. Officials are working hard to put out the quickly spreading fire as smoke spreads across counties.

How big is the Madre Fire now?

The Madre Fire in San Luis Obispo County has grown to more than 52,000 acres in less than 24 hours, making it the biggest fire in California so far in 2025. The cause of the fire is being looked into.


The fire broke out Wednesday afternoon in the isolated Los Padres National Forest in San Luis Obispo County, roughly 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles, during a year marked by a record number of fatal brush fires in the state, as per a report by ABC News.

What’s causing the rapid spread?

Cal Fire reports that the fire, which was fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, swiftly spread to 35,000 acres through Wednesday evening before scorching almost 52,600 acres by 9 p.m. Thursday, an area larger than Washington, D.C., fire officials reported that it was 5% contained.

Overnight and into Thursday, a wildfire in California erupted, causing a highway closure and evacuation orders.

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Which areas are under evacuation?

Officials said the fire, which is burning in a mostly rural area of the Los Padres National Forest close to Highway 166, is the biggest in California so far this year, according to Cal Fire data.

In San Luis Obispo County, evacuation orders have been issued in the vicinity of Highway 166. The California Department of Transportation says the highway is closed from U.S. 101 near Santa Maria to Perkins Road in the Santa Barbara County community of New Cuyama.

Due to the fire, the Bureau of Land Management announced on Thursday that all of its properties in Carrizo Plain National Monument are off-limits to the general public.

Cal Fire estimates that about 50 buildings are in danger. The fire has a fast rate of propagation, officials cautioned. "This fire has grown exponentially in less than 24 hours in several counties surrounding the San Luis Obispo County area due to the current weather, terrain, and fuel conditions," the U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest said on social media Thursday morning. "Smoke impacts will be far-reaching."

FAQs

Where does the Madre Fire burn?
It is burning in San Luis Obispo County, primarily in the Los Padres National Forest near Highway 166.

Was the cause of the fire determined?
Not yet. Authorities say the cause is still being investigated.