A massive fire erupted at a medical supply warehouse in Tracy, San Joaquin County, on June 11, sending thick black smoke visible for miles and sparking multiple secondary fires. The blaze began around 1 p.m.
on the roof of the Medline Distribution Center, a facility spanning approximately 1 million square feet, according to the Tracy Police Department. All employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The fire quickly engulfed the entire warehouse, fueled by cardboard and paper products stored inside, causing embers to spread up to two miles away. These embers ignited three secondary fires, including one at an adjacent FedEx facility and another near the local airport.
At the FedEx site, wooden pallets burned, but all personnel were evacuated safely. Firefighters arriving at the scene found that the warehouse's sprinkler system was not operational, and fire hydrants lacked adequate pressure, hampering suppression efforts.
The hydrants had passed inspection in January. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that state resources from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE were deployed to assist local crews. San Joaquin County officials urged residents to avoid the area, comply with road closures, and stay indoors with windows and doors closed, using air conditioning on recirculate mode to limit smoke inhalation.
The fire continues to burn, producing heavy black smoke, and is considered one of the largest warehouse fires in U.S. history.