A major wildfire is raging through the grasslands near Tracy, California, forcing residents to flee their homes and sending plumes of smoke visible across the San Joaquin Valley. The blaze, officially named the Corral Fire, has rapidly consumed over 14,000 acres since it ignited on Saturday.
The fire erupted in the Corral Hollow Road area, west of Tracy and approximately 60 miles east of San Francisco. Its proximity to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory initially raised concerns, though officials have confirmed the facility is not currently under threat.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek, and west to Alameda County. An evacuation warning is also in effect for areas from the Aqueduct to Interstate-580.
"Crews are working tirelessly to establish containment lines and protect structures," a Calfire spokesperson stated. The fire's rapid spread is being fuelled by dry vegetation and gusty winds, creating extremely dangerous conditions for firefighters.
Cause Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, the Bureau of Land Management has indicated that the blaze may have started during an annual public wild pig hunt. This event, which allows hunters to use non-lead ammunition, was taking place in the area on the day the fire broke out.
The community has rallied together, with a local animal shelter stepping in to provide emergency boarding for large animals evacuated from the path of the flames.
