A wildfire exploded overnight in California, with the massive blaze prompting evacuation orders and a highway closure. The Madre Fire ignited Wednesday afternoon in San Luis Obispo County, according to Cal Fire.

A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California exploded in size as dry, hot weather Thursday raised the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the July Fourth holiday. The Madre Fire became California’s largest blaze so far this year,

Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain a fast-moving wildfire that erupted near California’s Central Coast on Wednesday, forcing evacuations in two counties. The Madre Fire broke out shortly after 1 p.