(KRON) – A wildfire that broke out near the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Saturday afternoon has spread to more than 11,000 acres, according to CalFire. Authorities issued an evacuation order to everyone nearby.
Firefighters reported a major fire at 2:30 p.m. on the north side of Corral Hollow Road, east of Interstate 580, near Lawrence Livermore Laboratory Site 300, located southwest of Tracy. Caltrans said the major fire makes visibility zero and I-580 from Corral Hollow Road to I-5 is closed in both directions.
Two Alameda County firefighters were injured while trying to contain a fire estimated at 11,047 acres, the Alameda County Fire Department said.
At 5:50 p.m., the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services (SJCOES) issued an evacuation order. Anyone in the area west of I-580, south of Corral Hollow Road, to the area around the Tracy Country Club area is advised to leave now, SJCOES said .
A temporary evacuation site will be at the Larch Clover Community Center, located at 11157 W Larch Road in Tracy.
Officials from CalFire, Alameda Co. Fire Department, Tracy Fire Department and Livermore/Pleasanton Fire are working together to contain the fire. As of 11:20 p.m., the fire was 13% contained, CalFire said.
Both Alameda Co. firefighters reportedly suffered “mild to moderate burns,” Alameda Fire said in a statement. They have since been transported to nearby local hospitals.
Despite initial reports, firefighters say this is not the result of a controlled burn planned earlier this week.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. “Right now, wind is a factor,” the Alameda Fire Department said.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to KRON4 for updates.