The Aqua satellite captures the column of smoke from the Gifford Fire on Aug. 8. Aqua launched in May 2002 aboard a Delta II rocket that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. At left is the coastal marine layer. Aqua's operations are expected to end by fall 2026.
The Aqua satellite captures the column of smoke from the Gifford Fire on Aug. 8. Aqua launched in May 2002 aboard a Delta II rocket that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. At left is the coastal marine layer. Aqua's operations are expected to end by fall 2026. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

Fire crews have reached 51% containment for the Gifford Fire and progress prompted officials in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to downgrade or cancel some evacuation orders on Thursday.

Authorities caution, however, that unpredictable fire behavior could still pose a threat and advise residents to watch for changing conditions.

As of Thursday night, the Gifford Fire had burned 132,605 acres, or about 207 square miles, and was 51% contained, according to incident command. Nearly 5,000 fire personnel are assigned to the incident.

In Santa Barbara County, some evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings and warnings have been lifted in several zones.

Residents can find the latest evacuation information and maps at ReadySBC.org. For San Luis Obispo County evacuation information, visit ReadySLO.org. 

Fire officials reported that recent activity has stayed within containment lines, aided by strategic firing operations and water-dropping helicopters. Crews are focusing on holding the fire along the northwestern flank, in San Luis Obispo County, and extinguishing hot spots within the fire area.

A virtual community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday to provide an update on the fire and will be live-streamed on the Los Padres National Forest’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

Highway 166 reopened on Wednesday, but motorists traveling between Highway 101 and Highway 33 should expect delays of up to an hour due to a section with one-way reversing traffic control, Caltrans said.

— Noozhawk staff writer Nick Forselles can be reached at nforselles@noozhawk.com.