The Madre Fire, which ignited on July 2, 2025, near Highway 166 in the Los Padres National Forest, has rapidly grown to become California's largest wildfire of the year. Initially burning over 200 acres, the fire expanded swiftly, reaching 35,530 acres by July 3 with 5% containment. Fueled by dry, hot weather and strong winds, the fire continued to spread across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, surpassing 52,000 acres by July 4 and prompting evacuation orders and road closures. By July 5, the fire had engulfed approximately 70,800 acres with containment improving to 10%, involving more than 600 firefighting personnel. The blaze further expanded to nearly 80,500 acres by July 6, with containment increasing to 30%. The fire has threatened homes, highways, and state lands, with firefighting efforts ongoing amid continued dry and hot conditions that elevate wildfire risks statewide. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire as they coordinate federal, state, and local resources to manage the incident.