Firefighters in California are currently battling a wind-driven wildfire that is raging in an area spanning the San Francisco Bay Area and central California. The Corral Fire, fueled by gusty winds, is burning near the city of Tracy, located 60 miles east of San Francisco, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the fire has grown in size, now covering 13.7 square miles. Due to the fire and smoke, Interstate 580, a major highway connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to San Joaquin County, has been closed in both directions from Corral Hollow Road to Interstate 5.
The San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services has issued evacuation orders for residents in the affected areas. Those living between Corral Hollow Road and Tracy Boulevard have been instructed to evacuate, while residents south of Tracy Boulevard have been advised to be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
As dark plumes of smoke billow into the sky, concerns are high for the safety of residents and firefighters. Reports have emerged that two firefighters may have been injured in the line of duty, although the Alameda County Fire Department has not yet confirmed these reports.
