US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Gas Line Explosion Reported Near Willow River in Minnesota, Forcing Evacuations 2

A large gas line explosion was reported on Friday, January 16, near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota, forcing nearby residents to evacuate. Minnesota Energy Resources said customers in the area could be without natural gas for days, though authorities reported no injuries and suspect no criminal activity at this time.

US: Smoke from California’s Gifford Fire Blankets Las Vegas Valley

Smoke from California’s Gifford Fire, which has burned over 65,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest, drifted into the Las Vegas Valley, reducing visibility and leaving a strong smell of smoke. The blaze, only 3% contained, is expected to keep haze over the area until Tuesday. This video shows hazy sky over Las Vegas Monday morning, August 4.

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Wildfire Rages Through Los Padres Forest - USA

Gifford Fire burns 30,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest on August 2, 2025. Flames sweep through rugged terrain near Santa Maria, California, forcing evacuations and endangering nearby communities and wildlife. Firefighters battle extreme heat, shifting winds, and dry vegetation as they work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire. The blaze, fueled by ongoing drought and high temperatures, sends thick smoke across the region, prompting air quality warnings and road closures. The Gifford Fire becomes one of the largest wildfires of the season in California, illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change on fire behavior and frequency in the American West. Authorities continue to monitor fire lines while urging residents to remain alert to changing conditions. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Gifford Fire Closes Highway 166 in California, Prompting Evacuation Orders

The Gifford Fire, a series of brush fires that broke out along Highway 166 near the Gifford Trailhead, about 30 miles east of Santa Maria on Friday, August 1, burning over 5,000 acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County. The blaze forced the closure of the highway and prompted evacuations in parts of the two counties.