Gifford Fire burns more than 83,000 acres as officials find where it ignited

What sparked the Gifford Fire, which has now scorched nearly 84,000 acres in South Central

California, remains under investigation. But officials say it may have started near a highway

The Inferno began as four smaller fires along Highway 166. It has since become the largest wildfire in California this year

surpassing the Madre Fire, which torched nearly 81,000 acres in July. As of the publishing of this report, the Gifford Fire is 9% contained

and on Tuesday it threatened more than 800 structures as it burned through areas of Los Padres National Forest

Three people were hurt, one resident suffered burn injuries that required hospitalization

while two government employees were injured after their UTV rolled, as reported by the U.S. Forest Service

But the New York Times reports there is a strong possibility based on its location that it was caused by vehicles A study from the Pacific Biodiversity Institute shows half of the wildfires are sparked within roughly 650 feet of a road as opposed to those ignited by random distribution

Researchers say there tend to be fewer wildfires in regions far from roads

Around 90% of fires are also reportedly caused by humans, either from discarded cigarettes or careless campers who fail to put out a fire

While fires near roads are often sparked by vehicles, Fire officials say these fires can be caused by sparks on the road, caused by chains getting dragged

brakes that have worn away, or rims from tires hitting the road

Exhaust pipes and mufflers on cars parked alongside the road are also known to ignite fires

if they're too close to dry grass or brush. The Gifford Fire has led to evacuations, and more than 1,900 fire personnel are battling the inferno

The total acres burned this year from wildfires is up by 76% from last year

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