TRACY, Calif. – California firefighters will be braving frigid conditions this week as they continue to work to contain the Corral Fire outside Tracy, which grew to more than 14,000 acres over the weekend.
According to officials with the Santa Clara Division of Cal Fire (SCU), the Corral Fire began Saturday afternoon near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, southwest of the town of Tracy. Throughout the day, dry grass and gusty winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, growing to more than 10,000 acres.
As of Tuesday, the Corral Fire remained at approximately 14,100 acres, and firefighters had the blaze 90% contained.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
About 200 homes were evacuated in San Joaquin County over the weekend, but evacuation orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings Sunday night.
All evacuations and road closures were lifted Monday. One home was destroyed in the fire.
According to CAL FIRE SCU, “residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible changes.”
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory said in a statement that the Corral Fire does not pose a threat to science and technology facilities, according to FOX 2 KTVU.
More than 475 personnel from across California are responding to the Corral Fire. Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, but both are expected to make a full recovery.
The Corral Fire is the largest wildfire burning in the state, but firefighters are battling dozens of other fires across California as wildfire season begins.
In neighboring Alameda County, another wind-fueled fire broke out Monday near Patterson Pass Road in Altamont. The blaze is less than 100 acres and 74 percent contained.
Atmospheric rivers help mitigate droughts, but they also increase the vegetation that fuels the spread of wildfires.
“This is the California hills, and they’re dark brown right now,” Fox Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera said. “There’s a lot of atmospheric rivers, and there’s a lot of different layers of brush, so even though it’s low-lying, there’s a lot of burning.”
High winds and dangerous heat fuel the rapid spread of the fires
Weather conditions were more favorable for firefighters on Monday, allowing them to make progress on improving control lines.
But temperatures are rising and are expected to surpass 100 degrees in Tracy. By Wednesday, it could reach as high as 106 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for millions of people in California, including San Joaquin County.
“The heat isn’t helping,” FOX Weather meteorologist Marissa Torres said. “We had a very wet winter out west that helped the plants grow, but once the plants start to dry out with this high heat and dry air, things are going to get really bad on the ground.”
Temperatures in the area could reach anywhere from 95 degrees to 108 degrees, creating widespread and dangerous heat. ‘Serious’ risk of heatstroke.
High winds this week will also be a critical factor in the ongoing firefighting efforts, with wind gusts of 20-30 mph likely to further accelerate the spread of the fires.
