The Gifford Fire, a wildfire burning in Central California that has destroyed over 82,000 acres in five days, continues to rage and is now accompanied by two additional fires emerging nearby, according to officials.

The blaze threatened about 450 structures and forced the closure of the highway in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people in Santa Barbara County

The Gifford Fire in Central California has grown into the state’s largest wildfire of the year, burning over 82,000 acres with minimal containment. Crews are battling extreme fire conditions fueled by dry vegetation and high winds,