As of Sunday afternoon, the Corral Fire continues to rage near Tracy and Livermore, posing a significant threat to communities in its path. Here’s what we know about this wildfire:
- Origin and Growth:
- The fire erupted on Saturday afternoon in the grassy hills managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a key center for nuclear weapons science and technology in the United States.
- It was first reported at 2:39 p.m. southwest of Tracy, off West Corral Hollow in San Joaquin County.
- The Corral Fire quickly grew to 11,047 acres due to hot, dry, and windy conditions.
- By Sunday morning, it had burned more than 12,500 acres after flames spread east of Livermore and south of Tracy.
Evacuations and Impact:
- Residents in neighborhoods southwest of Tracy were ordered to evacuate as the fire approached their homes.
- Interstate 580 was closed in both directions due to the fire’s proximity to the highway.
- One house was confirmed destroyed, and several others were threatened.
- Fortunately, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory facilities were not immediately threatened by the blaze
- Firefighters’ Efforts:
- Firefighters have been battling the Corral Fire relentlessly.
- Despite challenging conditions, they managed to contain 30% of the fire by Sunday afternoon.
- Two firefighters sustained minor to moderate burns but were expected to recover fully.
- Weather Outlook:
- Sunday’s high temperature for Tracy was expected to reach 85°F (29°C), with no rain in the forecast.
- However, hotter conditions are anticipated later in the week, with highs of 103°F to 108°F (39.4°C to 42.2°C) in the San Joaquin Valley.
- Emergency Measures:
- The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services issued an evacuation order for areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek, west to Alameda County, and south to Stanislaus County.
- A temporary evacuation point was established at the Larch Clover Community Center in Tracy.
- Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
In summary, the Corral Fire remains a formidable challenge for firefighters, threatening homes, highways, and communities. As they battle the blaze, we hope for their safety and success in containing this destructive force of nature. Stay informed and follow evacuation orders to ensure your safety during this emergency.
