Madre Fire explodes in size to become California's biggest this year

A wildfire in California's San Luis Obispo County exploded in size Thursday, triggering evacuation orders and sending smoke plumes southeast into Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.The big picture: The massive Madre Fire has surpassed January's destructive Los Angeles-area wildfires to become California's largest this year, as much of the state faces hot, dry conditions that raise wildfire risks ahead of the July Fourth holiday.The Madre Fire erupted in size in California yesterday and last night, becoming the state's largest wildfire so far this year.The fire has grown to 35,530 acres and is 5% contained. pic.twitter.com/AmzRhhJ7yo— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) July 3, 2025 Officials warn that the smoke impacts of the blaze that's one of several wildfires burning in the state will be "far-reaching."The latest: Officials in Orange County evacuated a high school and El Torito after the Tonner Fire ignited, per a City of Brea Facebook post.By the numbers: The Madre Fire ignited near State Route 166 on Wednesday and had grown to 35,530 acres by Thursday lunchtime local time, per Cal Fire. The fire had swollen to 52,592 acres and was threatening 50 structures at 10% containment by the evening.Threat level: Part of the highway was closed due to the fire, per a San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services Facebook post.Evacuation orders and warnings were in effect for communities in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties near the highway, as the blaze burned toward Carrizo Plain National Monument, a region some 125 miles northwest of LA that's known for its grasslands and spring wildflowers.Red flag warnings were in effect for California's eastern Lassen, Alpine and northern Mono counties due to gusty winds and low humidity. Parts of Utah and Nevada were also under red flag warnings, including Las Vegas. Meanwhile, state fire officials are urging Californians not to use fireworks when celebrating the Fourth of July holiday."Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California and sparked 1,230 fires," per a Cal Fire Facebook post.Between the lines: Research shows hot, dry and windy weather that helps wildfires spread is becoming more common across much of the U.S. amid climate change, per Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick. Screenshot: San Luis Obispo County Fire Department/XGo deeper: Newsom says Trump "caved" after 150 California National Guard troops moved to wildfire dutyEditor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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