Central California issues evacuation orders after wildfire burns 65,000 acres

More than 450 structures are under threat by the Gifford blaze, with only 3% of its perimeter contained

Evacuations have been ordered in central California, as a massive wildfire is churning through the brush-covered hillsides in Los Padres national forest. More than 450 structures are under threat by the Gifford fire, and several injuries have been reported.

The fire had scorched more than 65,000 acres (26,300 hectares) by Monday morning, after the blaze grew out of several smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166 between Santa Maria and Bakersfield.