California’s largest blaze this year explodes in size as hot weather raises wildfire risk statewide

California’s largest blaze this year explodes in size as hot weather raises wildfire risk statewide

A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California has exploded in size

Firefighters scrambles to keep the Madre Fire from crossing a dozer line as it makes a run along Highway 166 on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)