In California, firefighters are facing tough conditions as they battle the Corral Fire near Tracy. The blaze has swelled to a staggering 14,000 acres over the weekend, prompting mandatory evacuations for those in its path.
The fire ignited on Saturday afternoon near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site, southwest of Tracy, according to officials from the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit. Fueled by dry grass and strong winds, it quickly spread to over 10,000 acres, resulting in injuries to two firefighters.
By Sunday, the Corral Fire had consumed more than 14,000 acres of land, though firefighters had managed to contain 30% of the inferno. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Evacuation orders are in place for areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek Road to Alameda County, and extending southward to Stanislaus County. The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services has opened a temporary shelter at the Larch Clover Community Center on West Larch Road for displaced residents.
Despite the fire’s proximity to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, officials have reassured that the facility is not currently under threat from the Corral Fire.
More than 400 personnel from across California have been mobilized to battle the blaze, but they face an uphill battle with temperatures in Central California expected to soar above 100 degrees on Tuesday.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for millions in California, including San Joaquin County, with temperatures possibly reaching between 95 and 108 degrees.
Adding to the challenges, strong winds forecasted for Monday, gusting between 20 and 30 mph, could fan the flames and exacerbate the situation.
As firefighters continue their valiant efforts against the Corral Fire amid these tough conditions, authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed and following evacuation orders for the safety of all residents.