AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego/KeynoteUSA
In this image from an AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego monitoring camera, smoke rises from the Corral Fire near the city of Tracy, California, on Saturday.
KeynoteUSA—
A growing grass fire that started Saturday afternoon in San Joaquin County, California, has consumed more than 11,000 acres, forcing residents in its path to evacuate the area, authorities say.
The Corral Fire began in the city of Tracy around 2:30 p.m. and was only 13% contained as of Saturday night, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the department.
Area officials had recently warned that gusty winds, higher temperatures and dry grass could create dangerous fire conditions.
“Areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek, west to Alameda County and south to Stanislaus County should exit now,” the county said Saturday.
Earlier Saturday night, San Joaquin County officials ordered Tracy residents closest to the Corral Fire to flee and told others nearby that they “should be ready to go.” A temporary evacuation site has been established at the Larch Clover Community Center for affected residents.
“Praying for our Tracy neighbors and first responders” Mayor Kevin J. Lincolnfrom the neighboring city of Stockton, said on social media Saturday night.
A section of I-580 is closed in both directions due to “large grass fire, smoke and zero visibility,” according to the California Department of Transportation.
The fire could spread further and wind gusts are expected to continue overnight in the area with speeds of up to 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Sweltering heat over the next week could multiply dangerous fire conditions.
“An excessive heat advisory across the valley and adjacent foothills Tuesday through Thursday continues with expected afternoon highs of 95-107˚F,” the report said. meteorologic service saying.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recently suspended all outdoor residential burning of yard debris, such as branches and leaves, in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and western San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
The department said the suspension was due to the increasing fire danger posed by hot, dry conditions in the region. Increased temperatures and winds that generate a large volume of dead grass also contribute. Firefighters have responded to more than 1,200 wildfires across the state so far this year, the department said Friday.
“As the summer heat intensifies, the commitment and unwavering efforts of CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit remain steadfast to protect California communities from wildfires. By remaining vigilant and following fire safety and prevention guidelines, we can work together to mitigate risk and protect our communities,” said Santa Clara Unit Chief Baraka Carter.
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