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Madre Fire update: Evacuations ordered in San Luis Obispo County | 52K+ acres burned, 10% containment

As the Madre Fire burns over 52,000 acres in San Luis Obispo County, CAL FIRE battles multiple wildfires across California. Track fire danger in real time and learn about NOAA’s new one-minute wildfire alert system.

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by Mac Douglass
Madre Fire Update: 52,000 Acres Burn in San Luis Obispo County.
The Madre Fire has scorched over 52,000 acres near Highway 166, prompting evacuations and a major CAL FIRE response.

The Madre Fire has exploded to 52,592 acres in just two days, forcing evacuations and mobilizing hundreds of firefighters as it burns along Highway 166 near New Cuyama in San Luis Obispo County.

CAL FIRE reports the blaze remains only 10% contained as of 9:30 PM Thursday night.

The wildfire, which began on Wednesday, July 2, is being managed by a unified command that includes CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo, the Los Padres National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Its cause remains under investigation.

Track the Madre Fire and Other Active Wildfires in Real Time Across California

While the Madre Fire remains the largest and most volatile active blaze, it is just one of several wildfires burning across California as the state enters peak fire season.

To help residents stay ahead of fast-moving wildfires like these, NOAA has just launched its Next-Generation Fire System, offering real-time fire alerts within one minute of ignition. This satellite-based system is expected to drastically reduce response times and improve public safety during rapidly evolving fire events.

RealEarth

Details on Current Active Wildfires in California

Here’s a snapshot of current fire activity:

Fire Name County Acres Containment
Madre Fire San Luis Obispo 52,592 10%
Wolf Fire Riverside 2,414 65%
Juniper Fire Riverside 756 95%
Lake Fire San Bernardino 489 90%
Horse Fire Shasta 275 0%

Madre Fire Details

Updated 9:30 PM, Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

Evacuations and Threatened Areas

Officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the following zones:

  • LPF-017
  • SLC-226
  • SLC-240
  • SLC-263 through SLC-265
  • SLC-298 through SLC-300
  • SLC-312, SLC-313
  • SLC-337, SLC-338

In addition, evacuation warnings are in place for:

  • SLC-225
  • SLC-239
  • SLC-339
  • SLC-358

CAL FIRE reports that 50 structures are currently threatened. As of this update, there have been no confirmed injuries or fatalities.

Resources Deployed to Fight the Madre Fire

A total of 594 personnel are now assigned to the fire, supported by:

  • 41 engines
  • 5 water tenders
  • 4 helicopters
  • 7 bulldozers
  • 14 hand crews
  • 85 additional support staff

Fixed-wing air tankers from across the state are being deployed when conditions permit.

Stay Informed and Prepared

Residents in affected areas are urged to monitor local evacuation orders and fire behavior. For official updates, use the resources below:

Mac Douglass profile image
by Mac Douglass

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