Two firefighters were injured and evacuation orders were issued as a wildfire spread to more than 11,000 acres in Northern California on Saturday night, officials said.
The Corral Fire was burning in San Joaquin County, close to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which is about 50 miles outside San Francisco, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
“Areas west of the California Aqueduct, South of Corral Hollow Creek, West to Alameda County and South to Stanislaus County should leave now,” San Joaquin emergency officials said late Saturday.
Two firefighters were injured in the blaze, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said in an interview with KXTV. One had minor injuries and the other had moderate injuries, he said, adding that both were expected to survive.
In this image from an AlertCalifornia/UC San Diego monitoring camera, smoke rises from the Corral Fire near the city of Tracy, Calif., Saturday, June 1, 2024.
AP
The fire ignited Saturday near Interstate 580 on the western edge of Tracy and had spread by midnight to about 11,047 acres, with about 13% contained, officials said.
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It moved quickly through the tall dry grass in the area, Silveira said.
“With these winds, it was growing very quickly,” he said. “The fire was moving faster than we could post updates.”
A wildfire near San Francisco has grown to 11,000 acres, prompting evacuations and injuring two firefighters. The fire, which started on Monday afternoon in the hills above the city, has been fueled by high winds and dry conditions.
The blaze, dubbed the San Francisco Fire, has spread rapidly, threatening homes and forcing residents to flee. Firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the fire, but have faced challenges due to the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, suffering burns and smoke inhalation. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and are said to be in stable condition. The injuries serve as a reminder of the dangers that firefighters face while working to protect communities from wildfires.
Evacuation orders have been issued for several neighborhoods near the fire, and residents are being urged to stay vigilant and follow instructions from authorities. The Red Cross has set up evacuation centers to provide shelter and support for those displaced by the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been sparked by a downed power line or other electrical equipment. PG&E, the utility company responsible for maintaining the power lines in the area, has been cooperating with investigators and working to ensure the safety of their infrastructure.
As wildfires continue to pose a threat to communities across California, it is important for residents to be prepared and stay informed. Creating defensible space around homes, having an evacuation plan in place, and staying updated on local fire conditions are all crucial steps in staying safe during wildfire season.
The San Francisco Fire serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the bravery of the firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect others. As the fire continues to burn, the community is coming together to support those affected and show gratitude for the efforts of the first responders working tirelessly to contain the blaze.
