India, Aug. 3 -- A rapidly spreading Gifford fire in Southern California became so massive that it forced evacuations in parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire reported that the Gifford fire erupted on Highway 166 west of Cuyama on Friday afternoon and had spread to more than 30,500 acres by Saturday evening. Only 5% fire has been contained so far.

"The terrain and abundance of fuels have made suppression efforts challenging," fire officials informed, as per NY POST. "But firefighters remain focused on a full-suppression strategy."

Driven by dry fuels, low humidity, and sunlight, the blaze started as several tiny spot fires that swiftly combined and spread. Both sides of Highwa...