Key facts
- A large fire at a Medline medical equipment warehouse in Tracy, California, is in its third day.
- Air quality in the city has been rated as "unhealthy" due to smoke from the fire.
- Firefighters are facing challenges with the warehouse's fire-suppression system and hydrants.
- The warehouse is set for demolition, with plans for a new facility on the site.
- Medline Industries has rerouted the majority of its order lines to other distribution centers.
Firefighters continued to battle a massive blaze at a 1 million-square-foot Medline Industries warehouse in Tracy, California, into its third day on Saturday. The fire has caused unhealthy air quality in the city, prompting officials to advise residents, particularly vulnerable individuals, to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Fire Chief Randall Bradley stated that crews are struggling to reach the core of the fire due to its size and the building's condition, anticipating several more days of firefighting efforts. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by a seemingly broken sprinkler system and low water pressure from hydrants, although city water supplies were adequate. Medline Industries has stated that the vast majority of order lines have been rerouted to other distribution centers, and they are increasing regional staffing and transportation capacity. The warehouse is slated for demolition, with plans for a new facility to be built on the site.