Wildfire threatens historic California Gold Rush community, part of lightning-caused fire complex

Watch: Wildfire rages within historic California Gold Rush community

A video shared by the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services shows the 6-5 Fire raging within Chinese Camp in California. The census-designated community is the remnant of an historic California Gold Rush mining town.

CHINESE CAMP, Calif. – Evacuations remain in place as firefighters try to get a better handle on a group of lightning-caused wildfires raging within a historic California Gold Rush community that forced residents to flee their homes and seek safety. 

According to the latest information from CAL FIRE, the 6-5 Wildfire in Tuolumne County grew rapidly and remains extremely active with 10% containment. 

This fire is part of a larger wildfire complex that has scorched nearly 14,000 acres, which firefighters said was caused by lightning strikes igniting dry forest.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

Officials said mandatory evacuations have been ordered, with "widespread warnings extending further."

Evacuations include Chinese Camp, which is an abandoned community that was once home to 5,000 Chinese miners, in addition to many Americans and Europeans.

"We currently have more than 40 members of our Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office team supporting operations on the 6-5 Fire," the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. "Deputies from Patrol, the Jail, and Animal Control are actively in the field, patrolling evacuated areas and assisting community members."

While there is no containment, firefighters noted that important community centers like the Chinese Camp School have so far remained safe from the flames.

Lightning determined to be cause of California wildfires

---

 

First responders in California have been battling several large wildfires that were determined to be sparked by lightning strikes, including the 6-5 Wildfire.

The 6-5 Wildfire has burned more than 7,000 acres as of Friday. 

Crews are actively working to extinguish the flames from the ground as well as from the air.

However, several large wildfires were reported to have ignited Tuesday, and CAL FIRE is now referring to the entire situation as the Tuolumne Calaveras Unit (TCU) September Lightning Fire Complex.

According to CAL FIRE, the series of blazes burning within the TCU September Lightning Complex contains 22 fires that occurred due to lightning strikes when thunderstorms moved through the area.

This graphic shows all the lightning strikes that impacted California on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.

(FOX Weather)

"Multiple ground and air resources have arrived totaling 634 personnel," CAL FIRE said. "Additional ground and air resources are on order and will be engaged on the fire lines as soon as they arrive."

CAL FIRE said the fires were able to spread quickly due to dry, tall grass, brush and other fuels.

"The terrain is challenging to access, requiring fire crews to hike in by foot to many remote locations," CAL FIRE said. "A number of structures have been damaged or destroyed, and a Damage Inspection Team is on order."

Currently, fires are raging within Tuolumne and Calaveras counties in Central California, and numerous evacuations have been ordered as a result.

"We are securing all available resources — including support from our federal partners — to fight this growing lightning complex fire in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties."  - California Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday provided information on the blazes and said federal assistance has been secured for resources to beat back the flames.

Newsom said that the Golden State secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources needed to suppress the 2-7 Fire within the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire burning in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties.

Newsom said the fires broke out after more than 9,000 lightning strikes occurred Tuesday.

Watch: California's 2-7 Wildfire rages in Calaveras County

A video shared by KTXL shows the 2-7 Wildfire burning in Calaveras County on Sept. 2, 2025.

As of Tuesday, Newsom said more than 300 residents were told to flee, and shelters have been opened as a result. In addition, more than 1,400 residents were told to prepare to evacuate, if needed.

According to the latest update from CAL FIRE, the 2-7 Wildfire scorched over 600 acres and is 50% contained as of Friday. However, some evacuation orders remained in place, while others were lifted to evacuation warnings. 

Watch: Crews battle 2-7 Wildfire burning in Calaveras County, California

A video shared by KTXL shows crews working to extinguish the 2-7 Wildfire, as well as burned cars and buildings on Sept. 2, 2025.

Refresh this page and download the free FOX Weather app for updates on this breaking news story.