The Gifford Fire was first reported Friday near the Gifford trailhead in Los Padres National Forest, around 15 miles east of Santa Maria. It quickly ballooned to more than 23,000 acres within 24 hours.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY (KABC) -- Firefighters are trying to gain control of the Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The blaze is just 3% percent contained and has significantly increased in size since Saturday. It has scorched almost 50,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest, according to fire officials.

To get breaking news alerts, click here The Gifford Fire grew by around 3,000 acres overnight as fire crews initiated strategic burns and worked to corral the wildfire away from major population centers in San Luis Obispo County.

The Gifford Fire originated in the city of Solvang, about 15 miles northeast of Santa Maria, and was 37% contained as of Tuesday, fire officials said.

Firefighters were preparing for a “strategic firing operation” Tuesday that could help the battle against the main part of the blaze.