Firefighters have made substantial progress in battling the Corral Fire near Tracy and Livermore, which erupted on Saturday afternoon. The wind-driven wildfire has scorched thousands of acres, destroyed a home, and forced residents to flee the area.
As of Sunday evening, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) reported that the fire had burned approximately 14,168 acres and was 50% contained.
Evacuation Orders and Community Impact
Thousands of people, including residents in parts of Tracy, a city with a population of 100,000, were ordered to evacuate to safety. Around 200 families were asked to leave their homes as the fire approached residential areas.
By Sunday evening, the evacuation order was downgraded to a warning, allowing residents to return home but urging them to remain vigilant should conditions change.
Fire Origin and Spread
The fire started in the grassy hills managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a critical center for nuclear weapons science and technology.
The laboratory itself was not under immediate threat from the blaze. CalFire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira confirmed that the fire had “burned right up to the homes” in the area, destroying one house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Weather Conditions and Firefighting Efforts
On Sunday, there were calmer winds and milder temperatures, which aided in the firefighting efforts. Chief Silveira noted that the reduced wind speeds helped prevent the fire from spreading further. However, two firefighters suffered minor to moderate burns on Saturday and remained hospitalized.
Despite the challenging conditions, CalFire deployed numerous air tankers and helicopters to drop water and fire retardant on the flames.
Community Reactions and Evacuee Experiences
The fire forced the closure of major highways, including Interstate 580, which connects the San Francisco Bay Area to San Joaquin County.
The highways reopened by Sunday afternoon. 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 center was set up at Larch Clover Community Center in Tracy. One of the homes destroyed by the fire belonged to Chris and Stevan Curtiss, who had lived there for 35 years.
Their son, Travis Curtiss, recounted how his parents evacuated with their two dogs and pet turtle, leaving behind most of their belongings. “They had enough time to grab the animals, some dog food, a bag of clothes, and that was it,” he said. The family returned to sift through the debris, trying to recover sentimental items.
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and Fire Precautions
The Lawrence Livermore Laboratory activated its emergency operations center as a precaution to monitor the situation. Spokesperson Paul Rhien assured that the wildfire presented no threat to the laboratory’s facilities or operations. The laboratory had recently completed controlled burns to remove dry grass and create buffer zones around its experimental test site.
Upcoming Weather and Ongoing Challenges
The National Weather Service warned of “dangerously hot conditions” expected later in the week, with temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley, including Tracy, anticipated to reach between 103 F to 108 F (39.4 C to 42.2 C). These conditions, combined with wind gusts of up to 45 mph, could pose additional challenges to firefighting efforts.
Community Support and Continued Efforts
As the fire continues to be brought under control, the community remains on high alert. CalFire emphasized the importance of staying prepared for potential changes in conditions. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has deployed additional resources, including three fire engines, to assist in the efforts.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reported that 171 customers were without power as a safety measure to aid in firefighting. The air quality in Tracy reached moderate levels due to the smoke, but the rest of San Joaquin County remained in a good category.
Residents are advised to use boiled or bottled water for drinking and cooking until further notice. The Corral Fire near Tracy and Livermore has tested the resilience of the community and the capabilities of firefighting teams.
While significant progress has been made, the situation remains dynamic. The collaboration between local authorities, emergency services, and residents is crucial in ensuring safety and minimizing further damage as efforts to contain the fire continue fully.
