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. It has since grown to more than 35,500 acres and is 5% contained as of Thursday morning, fire officials said.

The Madre Fire is the largest wildfire in California in 2025 — surpassing the Los Angeles-area fires that devastated parts of the region in January.

The fire in a wilderness area northeast of Los Angeles exploded in size as dry, hot weather Thursday raised the fire risk for large portions of the state.