Growth of California's Corral fires intensifies, prompting evacuations

Lina PortmanJune 3, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Extreme heat fuels California's Corral wildfire

Dangerous heat is scorching parts of California, Nevada and Arizona, with potentially record-breaking temperatures by midweek. Warm temperatures are fueling wildfires in Tracy, California, where more than 12,250 acres have burned and evacuation orders are in place.

TRACY, Cali. – California firefighters are facing extreme weather as they work to contain the Corral Fire outside Tracy, which exploded to 12,500 acres over the weekend, prompting authorities to order the compulsory evacuation of certain residents.

According to officials with the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, the Corral Wildfire broke out Saturday afternoon near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory site, southwest of the town of Tracy. Throughout the day, dry grass and gusty winds allowed the fire to quickly expand to more than 10,000 acres.

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As of Sunday, the Corral Fire had grown to more than 12,500 acres and fire crews had contained the blaze to 15%. What started the fire is under investigation.

Areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek Road to Alameda County and south to Stanislaus County are under evacuation orders. A temporary shelter is set up at the Larch Clover Community Center on West Larch Road, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services. For updates on evacuation orders, click here.

According to FOX 2 KTVU, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory said in a statement that the Corral Fire does not threaten science and technology facilities.

The Corral Fire in California on Sunday, June 2, 2024. (SCU FIRE CAL)

Winds and dangerous heat fuel extreme fire growth

Weekend temperatures in central California were warm, reaching the 80s on Sunday. However, starting Monday, temperatures will continue to warm up. Tracy is expected to top 100 degrees on Tuesday.

Flames from California's Corral Wildfire seen from I-580

Video shows the Corral Wildfire in Tracy, California, seen from near I-580. The fire prompted evacuation orders over the weekend after growing to more than 12,250 acres. (Video: KTVU)

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for millions of people in California, including San Joaquin County, starting Tuesday.

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Firefighters battle the Corral Fire near I-580 in Tracy, Calif., Saturday, June 1, 2024.
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Bright orange flames from the Corral Fire can be seen near I-580 in Tracy, California on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
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Firefighters battle the Corral Fire near I-580 in Tracy, Calif., Saturday, June 1, 2024.
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Bright orange flames from the Corral Fire can be seen near I-580 in Tracy, California on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
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A bulldozer rolls along the Corral Fire in California on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
(SCU FIRE CAL)

The Corral Fire in California on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
(SCU FIRE CAL)

Dangerously hot conditions are possible, with temperatures between 95 and 108 degrees and a widespread “major” heat hazard.

The strong winds which will begin on Monday will also be decisive for the ongoing battles. Winds gusting between 20 and 30 mph could further fuel fire growth.