California firefighters battling Corral Fire now face triple-digit heat

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Firefighters battling Corral wildfire facing 100-degree temperatures

Temperatures are soaring into the triple-digits starting on Tuesday as the 14,000 acre Corral wildfire in Central California continues to burn. Containment has increased since the fire began on Saturday but conditions are extreme with layers of dry brush and hot temperatures. 

TRACY, Calif. – California firefighters will face extreme temperatures this week as they continue working to contain the Corral Fire, which has exploded to more than 14,000 acres.

According to officials with the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit (SCU), the Corral wildfire started Saturday afternoon near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site southwest of the town of Tracy. Throughout the day, dry grass and gusty winds helped the fire rapidly grow to over 10,000 acres. 

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On Wednesday morning, the Corral Fire remained around 14,100 acres, and fire crews had contained the blaze to 90%. What sparked the fire is under investigation. 

The Corral Fire current conditions.
(FOX Weather)

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About 200 homes were evacuated over the weekend in San Joaquin County, but those orders were downgraded to evacuation warnings Sunday night. All evacuation orders and road closures were lifted on Monday. Fire destroyed one home.

"Residents are advised to remain vigilant and be prepared for potential changes," according to CAL FIRE SCU.

According to FOX 2 KTVU, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory said in a statement that the Corral Fire does not threaten the science and technology facility. 

A view of transmission towers in flames as Corral Fire continue in San Joaquin County, California, United States on June 2, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

More than 475 personnel from throughout California are responding to the Corral Fire. Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, but both are expected to fully recover. 

The Corral Fire is the largest wildfire burning in the state, but firefighters are battling dozens of fires across California as wildfire season gets underway. 

The Patterson Fire in Altamont, California on Monday, June 3, 2024.

(CAL FIRE SCU)

In neighboring Alameda County, another fire started on Monday driven by wind near Patterson Pass Road in Altamont. The fire remained under 100 acres and is 74% contained. 

Multiple atmospheric rivers have helped with drought conditions but also added vegetation for wildfire growth. 

"This is a very hilly portion of California, and it is now dark brown," FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said. "We've had a number of atmospheric rivers, and the brush is in different layers, so a lot to burn with even though it is lower-lying."

Winds and dangerous heat fuel extreme fire growth

On Monday, weather conditions were more favorable for firefighters, allowing crews to make progress improving control lines.

However, temperatures are heating up, and Tracy is forecast to surpass 100 degrees. By Wednesday, temperatures could soar to 106 degrees.

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Flames from Corral wildfire in California 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 growing to more than 12,250 acres. (Video: KTVU)

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for millions in California, including San Joaquin County. 

"This heat isn't going to help," FOX Weather Meteorologist Marissa Torres said. "The very wet winter that we had out west aided in vegetation and growth. But when you start to dry it out with this high heat and dry air, it can really make for a bad situation on the ground."

PEAK OF SCORCHING TRIPLE-DIGIT HEAT WAVE BEGINS WEDNESDAY FOR NEARLY 20 MILLION IN WEST

Dangerously hot conditions are possible across the region, with high temperatures between 95 and 108 degrees and a widespread "major" HeatRisk.

Strong winds this week will also be determinantal to the ongoing firefight. Winds gusting between 20 and 30 mph could fuel more fire growth.