One of the largest medical warehouses in the US burned to the ground in California (2 photos + 3 videos)
Category: Fires and Catastrophes, PEGI 0+
Today, 10:03
We start this morning with news from overseas. 
A massive fire broke out in the American city of Tracy, California. In just half an hour, the massive 92,000-square-foot Medline Industries distribution center was transformed into a blazing inferno. Experts have already called this emergency one of the most devastating warehouse fires in the country's history.
Firefighters encountered what they called a "perfect storm." The automatic suppression system at the giant warehouse suddenly failed, and the water pressure in the fire hydrants throughout the area completely disappeared. Panicked, rescuers were forced to drag hoses to city hydrants on neighboring streets, wasting precious time.
The situation was exacerbated by extreme California heat (35°C) and strong winds. The fire quickly engulfed the entire building. 300 firefighters from all surrounding counties converged on this nightmare, dumping 15,000 liters of water every minute, but the complex could not be saved.
Luckily, all 120 employees were evacuated in time, and there were no casualties. Firefighters performed a miracle and saved the neighboring Amazon and FedEx terminals. However, a couple hundred wooden pallets and several cargo trailers burned beautifully in the FedEx parking lot.
Dense black smoke now hangs over the city. Environmentalists are raising the alarm because plastic, tons of medical supplies, and lithium-ion batteries burned in the warehouse. Local residents are advised to stay indoors and keep all windows tightly closed.
This is a devastating blow to American healthcare. The burned hub supplied hospitals and clinics across the West Coast. Large Californian clinics have already implemented strict rationing measures for bandages, gloves, and consumables while the company attempts to reroute supplies through other states.
