Midway Fire near Tracy now 50% contained, forward progress halted

(KRON) — A brush fire that erupted in Livermore near Tracy Thursday afternoon has exploded to over 260 acres and jumped I-580, according to Cal Fire officials. As of shortly after 5 p.m., the fire was 50% contained and forward progress had been halted.

The blaze is located near Patterson Pass Road and N. Midway Road in Tracy and was first reported at just 20 acres. The fire spans two counties — Alameda and San Joaquin.

Smoke and flames are visible from the fire and firefighters are beginning to initiate fire suppression efforts. The blaze has been dubbed the Midway Fire.

Initial reports suggested the fire is spreading at a moderate rate. Firefighters later revised that assessment to say it was growing at a “moderate to dangerous” rate of speed.

Four structures are potentially threatened by the blaze, according to Cal Fire officials. There is an Amazon warehouse not far from where the fire is burning, although it’s not known if that is one of them.

The fire broke out around 2:45 p.m., according to officials.

All eastbound and westbound lanes of I-580 between I-205 and Patterson Pass Road were closed as a result of the fire. As of 5:40 p.m., the left lane of I-580 at I-205 in both directions has reopened, CHP said.

The California Highway Patrol recommends I-680 north to Hwy 4 east, or Vasco Road north as an alternate route.

“With the afternoon commute, traffic is going to be greatly affected with this,” Tyler Hahn with CHP told KRON4.

There is no estimated time for reopening the roadway.

Additional air and ground resources are enroute to the fire, according to Cal Fire. Cal Fire is responding along with units from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, Alameda County Fire Department, and Tracy Fire Department.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.