A growing grass fire that began Saturday afternoon in San Joaquin County, California, has consumed 14,000 acres, forcing residents in its path to evacuate the area, officials say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Corral Fire began in the City of Tracy around 2:30 p.m., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. By Sunday afternoon, the flames were 30% contained, the department said on X<\/u><\/a>. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Area officials had recently warned that gusty winds, hotter temperatures and dried out grass could create dangerous fire conducive conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAreas west of the California Aqueduct, South of Corral Hollow Creek, West to Alameda County and South to Stanislaus County should leave now,\u201d the county<\/u><\/a> said Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier Saturday night, San Joaquin County officials instructed Tracy residents nearest to the Corral Fire to flee and told others nearby that they \u201cshould be ready to leave.\u201d A temporary evacuation site has been set up at Larch Clover Community Center for impacted residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two Alameda County firefighters were injured while responding to the fire, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira told CNN early Sunday morning. They had minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, Silveira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPraying for our Tracy neighbors and first responders,\u201d Mayor Kevin J Lincoln<\/u><\/a>, of the neighboring City of Stockton, said on social media late Saturday night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A section of I-580 is closed in both directions due to the \u201cmajor grass fire, smoke, and zero visibility,\u201d according to the California Department of Transportation<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fire could spread farther with gusty winds expected to continue overnight in the area with speeds up to 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Sweltering heat into the upcoming week could multiply dangerous fire conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn Excessive Heat Watch across the Valley and adjacent foothills for Tuesday into Thursday continues with afternoon highs of 95-107\u02daF forecasted,\u201d the weather service\u2002<\/u><\/a>said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n