Extreme heat fueling California's coral wildfires
Dangerous heat is roasting parts of California, Nevada and Arizona, with record high temperatures midweek. Warmer temperatures are fueling wildfire conditions in Tracy, California, where more than 12,250 acres have burned and evacuation orders are in effect.
Tracy, Callie. – California firefighters are facing extreme weather conditions as they work to contain the Corral Fire outside Tracy, which spread to 12,500 acres over the weekend, prompting officials to order the mandatory evacuation of some residents.
The Coral Wildfire started Saturday afternoon near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory site southwest of Tracy, according to CAL FIRE Santa Clara Division officials. Throughout the day, dry grass and strong winds helped the fire quickly grow to more than 10,000 acres.
Wildfire season may be shorter than normal for us this year but that's not all good news
By Sunday, the Corral Fire had grown to more than 12,500 acres, and fire crews were 15% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Areas west of the California Aqueduct south of Coral Hollow Creek Road into Alameda County and south into Stanislaus County are under evacuation orders. A temporary shelter has been set up at the Larch Clover Community Center on West Larch Road, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said. For notifications on evacuation orders, Click here.
According to Fox 2 KTVUThe Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory said in a statement that the Coral Fire did not threaten the science and technology facility.
Coral fire line in California on Sunday, June 2, 2024. (CAL FIRE SCU)
Air and dangerous heat fuel serious fire development
Weekend temperatures in Central California were warm, dipping into the low 80s by Sunday. However, from Monday onwards, temperatures will continue to warm. Tracy is forecast to top 100 degrees on Tuesday.
Flames from the Coral Wildfire in California can be seen from I-580
Video shows the Corral Wildfire in Tracy, California as seen from near I-580. The fire prompted evacuation orders over the weekend after it grew to more than 12,250 acres. (Video: KTVU)
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for millions of people in California starting Tuesday, including San Joaquin County.
Life-threatening triple-digit heat will leave millions stranded across the West this week
Dangerous heat conditions are possible, with temperatures ranging from 95 to 108 degrees and a widespread « major » heat risk.
Strong winds from Monday will continue to douse the fire. Winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour will fuel the fire.
