California's Madre Fire sparked in the late evening of July 3 but has since grown to the largest in the state this year by the Fourth.

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.

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