A fast-moving California wildfire exploded to become the state’s biggest of the year, forcing evacuations and the closure of a highway, and evoking memories of the devastating blazes that laid waste to parts of the state in January.

A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California exploded in size as dry, hot weather on Thursday raised the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the United States’ July 4th holiday.

A massive California wildfire has prompted 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 79,