Madre Fire: California faces its largest wildfire of the year

Vidéo : WSJ News

Since 2 July 2025, California's San Luis Obispo County has been battling the Madre Fire, the largest wildfire to hit the state since the beginning of the year.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire spread rapidly, consuming 28 300 hectares in just 24 hours.

As of the latest update, 32 500 hectares of vegetation had been reduced to ash. One building has been destroyed and 50 others are currently threatened by the flames. In addition, 200 people have been ordered to evacuate.

On 7 July, the 1 400 firefighters mobilized to fight the blaze managed to bring 30% of the Madre Fire under control. A week earlier, firefighters had to deal with more than 65 wildfires in a single day.

These disasters come as California is still reeling from the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2025, which claimed 30 lives.