A wildfire has swept through the countryside east of San Francisco, burning down properties, vehicles, and vast stretches of land.
According to the Associated Press, the blaze began Saturday afternoon and has since caused considerable damage to the affected area, forcing residents to evacuate the area near Tracy, California.
California firefighters made considerable progress on Sunday in containing the wind-driven wildfire.
Located about 60 miles east of San Francisco, the fire, named the Corral Fire, had consumed approximately 22 square miles by Sunday afternoon. By evening, it was 50% contained.
The fire started in the grassy hills managed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a key center for nuclear weapons science and technology. Fortunately, the research facility was not under immediate threat. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Evacuation and Damage
Thousands of people, including residents from parts of Tracy—a city with a population of 100,000—were ordered to evacuate on Saturday. Evacuation centers were set up to accommodate those affected.
The evacuation order was lifted on Sunday evening, allowing residents to return home.
CalFire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira reported that the fire reached the homes in the area, destroying one house.
Due to calmer winds and milder weather on Sunday, Silveira did not expect the fire to grow further.
