San Joaquin County, CA, USA - June 2, 2024

A devastating wildfire erupted near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Site 300 in San Joaquin County over the weekend, triggering widespread evacuations and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The blaze, dubbed the Corral fire, consumed 14,168 acres of land and posed a significant threat to residential areas as it spread westward, fueled by dry grass and propelled by gusty winds.

The fire, which started on Saturday afternoon, inflicted injuries on two firefighters and destroyed one home near the Tracy Golf and Country Club. Concerns mounted as the inferno edged closer to Tracy, a bustling city east of San Francisco with a population of approximately 100,000 residents.

Mandatory evacuations were swiftly implemented, disrupting the lives of countless individuals as they scrambled to seek safety. However, by Sunday evening, evacuations were downgraded to warnings, providing a glimmer of hope for affected residents.

Despite progress in containment efforts, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to remain prepared for potential changes in the situation. The threat of the fire encroaching upon the new Tracy Hills planned community loomed large, prompting heightened caution among officials and residents alike.