Firefighters in California are facing extreme temperatures as they work to contain the Corral Fire near Tracy, which grew to over 14,000 acres over the weekend. The wildfire started near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site and quickly spread due to dry grass and gusty winds. By Tuesday, crews had contained the fire to 90%, with the cause still under investigation. Evacuation orders were issued for about 200 homes in San Joaquin County, but were downgraded to warnings and eventually lifted. One home was destroyed by the fire.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory stated that the Corral Fire does not pose a threat to the facility. More than 475 personnel from various agencies in California are responding to the fire, and two firefighters were injured but are expected to recover fully. While the Corral Fire is currently the largest burning in the state, firefighters are also battling other blazes across California, including one in neighboring Alameda County. Multiple atmospheric rivers have helped alleviate drought conditions but have also added to vegetation, increasing wildfire risk.
Despite more favorable weather conditions on Monday allowing firefighters to make progress on control lines, temperatures in Tracy are expected to exceed 100 degrees, reaching 106 degrees by Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for millions in California, including San Joaquin County. The dry and hot conditions following a wet winter contribute to the risk of fire, with high temperatures between 95 and 108 degrees and a widespread HeatRisk in the region. Strong winds of 20 to 30 mph could further fuel the fire.
The hilly terrain of the region has provided ample fuel for the fire, with multiple atmospheric rivers adding vegetation for wildfire growth. The area has experienced a number of atmospheric rivers, leading to dry brush and different layers of vegetation that can easily burn. While firefighters are making progress on containment lines, the extreme heat and dry air are creating challenging conditions for firefighting efforts. The dangerous combination of high temperatures and strong winds poses a significant threat to ongoing firefighting operations.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared for potential changes in evacuation orders as firefighters continue to battle the Corral Fire and other blazes in the region. While evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted, the situation remains dynamic due to the extreme weather conditions. Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the fires and protect homes and structures in the area. As California enters wildfire season, firefighters are bracing for more challenges as they work to contain and extinguish multiple wildfires burning across the state.
