A massive California wildfire has prompted evacuation orders and a highway closure. The Madre Fire ignited Wednesday afternoon in San Luis Obispo County, according to Cal Fire. It has since grown to 79,936 acres and is 30% contained as of Sunday, fire officials said.

The Madre Fire is the largest wildfire in California in 2025 — surpassing the Los Angeles-area fires that devastated parts of the region in January.

According to Cal Fire, the Madre Fire started at 1:07 p.m. along state Route 166 near New Cuyama, which is a major road on the way to Las Vegas. The blaze was at 9,800 acres and zero containment as of 10:11 p.m.