The fire has prompted evacuation orders, warnings and highway closures in San Luis Obispo County about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

The Madre Fire — burning about two hours north of Los Angeles — exploded this week to become the biggest wildfire in California this year. Crews are working 24/7 to protect people and properties. NBC News’ Morgan Chesky reports.

A wildfire in central California has increased in scope and has become the largest wildfire in the state this year, surpassing the devastating blazes that ravaged the Los Angeles metropolitan region earlier this year.