Massive Grass Fire in San Joaquin County Forces Evacuations
LOS ANGELES — A raging grass fire that ignited on Saturday afternoon in San Joaquin County, California, has devoured a whopping 14,000 acres, prompting authorities to order residents in its path to evacuate immediately, officials have confirmed.
Blazing Origins
The Corral Fire erupted in the City of Tracy around 2:30 p.m., as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. By Sunday afternoon, the inferno had been contained to 30%, the department disclosed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to official sources.
Warnings Ignored
Local officials had recently issued warnings about the potential for dangerous fire conditions, with gusty winds, scorching temperatures, and dried-out grass creating a perfect storm for wildfires.
Evacuation Orders
Residents residing west of the California Aqueduct, South of Corral Hollow Creek, West to Alameda County, and South to Stanislaus County were urged to evacuate immediately, the county announced on Saturday.
San Joaquin County officials later instructed Tracy residents closest to the blaze to evacuate, while advising others in the vicinity to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Larch Clover Community Center to assist affected residents.
Injuries Reported
Two Alameda County firefighters sustained injuries while responding to the fire, according to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. The firefighters were treated for minor to moderate injuries at a local hospital. Thoughts and prayers poured in for the affected individuals from Mayor Kevin J Lincoln of Stockton.
Highway Closure
A section of I-580 has been closed in both directions due to the massive grass fire, smoke, and poor visibility, as reported by the California Department of Transportation.
Weather Woes
Gusty winds are expected to persist overnight, with speeds reaching up to 40 mph, increasing the risk of the fire spreading further. The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned of sweltering heat in the upcoming week, exacerbating the already dangerous fire conditions.
Preventive Measures
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has suspended all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris in several counties due to the heightened fire danger posed by the hot, dry conditions. Firefighters have responded to over 1,200 wildfires across the state so far this year.
Chief Baraka Carter of the Santa Clara Unit emphasized the importance of vigilance and adherence to fire safety guidelines to protect communities from wildfire threats. Stay safe, California. — CNN
