Growth on the northwest end of the Gifford Fire prompted new evacuation orders for San Luis Obispo County on Thursday, but the rest of the fire saw “minimal activity” overnight, according to incident commanders. 

The wildfire had burned 96,106 acres, or about 150 square miles, and was 15% contained as of Thursday morning. 

Highway 166 is still closed between Highway 101 in Santa Maria and Perkins Road in New Cuyama. The major roadway was closed shortly after the fire started Friday afternoon and officials have not announced an estimated reopening time. 

Officials are allowing some residents and workers past the checkpoints, with more information available here.

About 1,500 structures are threatened.

Incident commander Dustan Mueller said damage inspectors arrived this week and will verify preliminary reports of damage.

Hot and dry weather conditions are expected at the fire Thursday, with temperatures of 92-104 degrees and gusty winds in the afternoon. 

The firefighting force has grown to 2,988 people, and incident commanders opened a second base camp at Santa Margarita to better access the northern end of the blaze. 

Another camp may be opened in the Cuyama Valley for crews deployed to the southern end. 

Fire officials held a community meeting in New Cuyama Wednesday night and plan two more Thursday night in Sisquoc, near Santa Maria, and Huasna in San Luis Obispo County. 

The 6 p.m. Sisquoc meeting will be hosted at Santa Barbara County Fire Station 23, 5003 Depot St., and be broadcast virtually on YouTube and Facebook. 

The SLO Sheriff’s Office will host a meeting at the Loomis Family Barn, 8451 Huasna Road, east of Arroyo Grande, at 7 p.m.