The Gifford Fire burning in central California has burned more than 119,000 acres as of early Monday, having expanded to reach "megafire" status since it began earlier in August. Newsweek contacted U.S. Forest Service for comment via email on Monday.

Burning over 100,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest, it has triggered evacuations and poses a long-term threat due to dry conditions, rugged terrain and a buildup of fire-prone vegetation.