Gifford Fire in California continues to impact thousands of acres of land

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - The Gifford Fire burning in California is impacting tens of thousands of acres of land and is being fed by hot, dry conditions.

It even produced a wild smoke tornado at one point.

Smoke fills the air as the Gifford Fire continues to burn close to Highway 166 and residential areas.

Scott Safechuck with Santa Barbara County Fire says hot, dry, windy conditions are contributing to the fire's growth.

"When the fire started, it was on both sides of Highway 166 and going into San Luis County and Santa Barbara County. But the majority of the fire really has grown in that south, edge of the fire in the Santa Barbara County into the Tepesquet area," Safechuck shared.

With the fire's southward movement, Safechuck says the Madre Fire burn scars to the east aren't helping at this point.

"The previous burn scars do help us, but where the fire is out right now, we're just not seeing that that benefit from it," Safechuck explained.

No structures have been lost, but one person suffered burn injuries due to the fire, and two others were injured.

"We had two contractors that were in a UTV that, unfortunately, rolled down a hill and they sustained injuries," Safechuck said.

The American Red Cross has disaster relief centers in Santa Maria and in Cuyama.

Ray Houser with the American Red Cross tells me that those who need to be connected with mental health assistance, housing, or medical needs can visit their website to see where to find and locate the disaster relief areas for the next coming days.

"Where we're needed is constantly changing. If we had to move to another temp or a shelter, we're ready to do that," Houser expressed.

Safechuck says due to the fire spanning two counties, it's especially important to be signed up for emergency alerts in your area.

"Hopefully, the wind keeps blowing that way and not come this way, I think we will be okay," said Taylor Estes, a Santa Maria resident. "Every year, there's always a big one around here."

Safechuck says the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

According to Cal Fire, as of Monday, the fire has burned more than 65,000 acres and is 3% contained.

To keep up-to-date with the fire, click here.