Air quality in Las Vegas Valley badly affected due to Gifford fire in California

California: Since it began on Friday, the Gifford Fire, a quickly expanding wildfire in Central California, has expanded dramatically, already consuming over 65,000 acres in the counties of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

The blaze’s smoke has spread into other states, lowering the quality of the air in the Las Vegas Valley and causing cloudy skies early this week.

The Gifford Fire is just 3% controlled as of Monday, according to Cal Fire. Meanwhile, the fire is endangering 460 nearby properties and has forced the closure of State Route 166 in New Cuyama between Interstate 101 and Perkins Road.

Communities near the route are under evacuation orders; the Gifford Fire Public Information Map has the most recent information.

One individual was taken to Marian Regional Medical Center with burns, while at least three more were hurt. After their utility vehicle toppled, two contractors were also saved; one of them needed to be evacuated by air.

Extreme weather and steep, difficult terrain are only two of the major challenges firefighters face. Meteorologists advise that increasing temperatures later this week might lead to dangerous plume-dominated fire behavior.

Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said that “there is potential for building heat later in the week,” which may result in unpredictable and hazardous fire conditions.

The drifting smoke is causing cloudy skies and poor air quality for residents of Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern, as well as those in Las Vegas. In order to reduce exposure to dangerous particles, officials advise staying indoors and keeping windows closed.