Madre Fire explodes in size, becoming California's largest wildfire this year

USA Today

2 days ago

A fast-moving wildfire in central California became the largest in the state this year after exploding in size overnight as hot temperatures and dry conditions increased the wildfire risk ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The Madre Fire broke out on the afternoon of July 2 in a remote area of central California near Highway 166, according to Cal Fire. The fire rapidly spread to over 35,000 acres overnight as it burned through grasslands in a section of the Los Padres National Park.
By 5 p.m. PT on July 3, the fire grew to more than 52,000 acres and was only 5% contained, according to Cal Fire data. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for small communities near Highway 166 as the fire moved toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, about 69 miles southeast of San Luis Obispo, California.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles said satellite images showed the blaze impacting interior San Luis Obispo County, with a plume of smoke spreading southeast of the fire over Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Videos and images shared by the U.S. Forest Service also showed smoke-filled skies and flames moving along hilly terrain.
"With the current weather, terrain, and fuels conditions this fire has seen exponential growth in less than 24 hours in multiple counties surrounding the San Luis Obispo County area," the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement on July 3. "Smoke impacts will be far-reaching."
The Madre Fire is now the largest wildfire in California in 2025 — surpassing the Los Angeles-area fires that devastated parts of the region. The Palisades Fire burned more than 23,000 acres while the Eaton Fire scorched over 14,000 acres in January, according to Cal Fire.
Cause of the Madre Fire remains under investigation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said the fire started on federally managed land before spreading toward state areas. The governor's office noted that the state has "surged significant" Cal Fire resources to support the fire response and is working with federal and local partners.
"(Cal Fire) has rapidly deployed air crews and ground resources to assist our federal partners," the governor's office said in a statement. "The state will always show up to protect all communities — no matter where a fire begins."
As of July 3, no injuries and damages as a result of the fire were reported, according to Cal Fire. The San Luis Obispo County Fire Department said earlier in the day that about 208 people had been evacuated and 50 structures were threatened by the blaze.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in California said all BLM lands in Carrizo Plain National Monument are closed to public access due to the fire.
"This emergency closure is for public and firefighter safety," the BLM said in a statement. "Entry is prohibited and violators face federal penalties including fines and imprisonment."
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Cal Fire said.
Fire comes ahead of the Fourth of July holiday
The Madre Fire comes as much of the United States braces for one of the most wildfire-prone times of the year, USA TODAY reported.
"There is a huge spike in the number of human-caused wildfires in the United States around the 4th of July holiday, related to the 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 has warned the public of wildfire risks from Fourth of July fireworks. Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California and sparked 1,230 fires, according to the agency.
On July 2, Cal Fire said it responded to over 65 wildfires statewide — which have burned more than 150 acres — in the past 24 hours. The fires have prompted evacuations in some areas, caused smoky conditions, and impacted infrastructure and habitats, according to the agency.
The Wolf Fire, in Riverside County near Banning, California, around 85 miles east of Los Angeles, has scorched more than 2,000 acres since it started on June 29. As of July 3, the fire was 65% contained, according to Cal Fire data.
"As we enter July, California is heating up — and so is the wildfire risk," Cal Fire said in a statement. "With hotter, drier conditions ahead, it's more important than ever to practice fire safety at home and outdoors."
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY