Expanding California wildfire covering over 11,000 acres prompts evacuations for locals.
Around 2:30 pm, a wildfire called the Corral Fire ignited in Tracy. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports it to be only 13% contained by late Saturday night. They're still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Local authorities had previously cautioned that the gusty winds, rising temperatures, and dry grass were prime conditions for fires.
The county issued an advisory urging people to evacuate from areas west of the California Aqueduct, south of Corral Hollow Creek, west to Alameda County, and south to Stanislaus County.
Later on Saturday evening, San Joaquin County officials urged Tracy residents residing near the Corral Fire to leave immediately and advised those living close by to "stand by." A makeshift shelter has been set up at the Larch Clover Community Center for affected residents.
Mayor Kevin J Lincoln of nearby Stockton expressed concern for the Tracy residents and the firefighters via social media.
A segment of I-580 is blocked in both directions due to "a large grass fire, smoke, and zero visibility," as reported by the California Department of Transportation.
The fire may grow further with gusty winds expected to endure through the night in the area, reaching speeds up to 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Additionally, scorching heat is forecasted for the weeks ahead, amplifying the risk of wildfires.
The National Weather Service added, "An Excessive Heat Watch across the Valley and adjacent foothills for Tuesday into Thursday includes forecasted peak afternoon temperatures between 95-107 ̊F."
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prohibited all residential green waste burns, including branches and leaves, in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and western San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties due to the growing fire danger.
According to the department, the ban is in response to the rising fire hazard triggered by the region's recent hot and dry conditions as well as the ample supply of dead grass triggered by the winds. Fire crews have already tackled over 1,200 wildfires across the state this year.
Santa Clara Unit Chief Baraka Carter commented, "With wildfire risks escalating as summer heats up, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit is dedicated to safeguarding communities from wildfires. Adhering to fire safety and prevention tips helps us cooperatively minimize hazards and protect our environment."
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Despite the evacuation orders, some residents chosen to stay and defend their homes. The local authorities requested assistance from US Forest Service and the California National Guard to help safeguard affected areas and support evacuated residents.
