A massive fire has destroyed a medical equipment warehouse in California

A massive fire has destroyed a medical equipment warehouse in the US state of California. The facility has been completely destroyed. Authorities have evacuated several other nearby facilities due to fears that the fire could spread.

The fire broke out at Medline's large distribution center in Tracy, California, on Thursday (June 11) local time. Located about 55 miles east of San Francisco, the center is a warehouse for one of the largest medical and surgical product suppliers in the United States.

The fire later spread to a FedEx facility across the street, but firefighters quickly brought it under control. South San Joaquin County Fire Authority Fire Chief Randall Bradley said this information.

Tracy Police Department Sergeant Michael Richards said that strong winds increased the risk of spreading ash and burning debris. Therefore, authorities evacuated a large part of the area.

Medline said in a statement that all its employees working at the scene were safe. A spokesperson for the company said, "We are closely coordinating with local authorities and emergency responders regarding the fire. We will provide updates as new information becomes available."

Medline, which supplies latex gloves, masks, surgical instruments and other medical equipment, has played a key role in distributing emergency medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: AP