Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Wildfires Devastate Historic California Gold Rush Town
Wildfires started in Northern California after a lightning storm.
These fires caused widespread evacuations and burned a lot of land.
The town of Chinese Camp, a historic gold rush town, was hit particularly hard, with many homes destroyed.
Firefighters from Cal Fire and other agencies are working hard to put out the blazes, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency and is sending help.
Shelters have been set up for people and animals who have been forced to leave their homes.
Power lines have been damaged, and crews are working to restore electricity.
Lightning-caused wildfires have burned over 13,000 acres in Northern California.
The fires have forced widespread evacuations in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties.
The historic town of Chinese Camp has suffered significant damage, including the destruction of dozens of homes.
Over 600 personnel are working to contain the blazes.
No immediate casualties have been reported.
- Who
- Cal Fire, local authorities, over 600 personnel
- What
- Wildfires raged across Northern California, causing evacuations and destroying property.
- When
- Since Tuesday, reported on Wednesday
- Where
- Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, with significant damage in Chinese Camp
- Why
- Ignited by a lightning storm
- Fire Complex Name
- TCU September Lightning Complex
- Location
- Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, CA
- Acres Burned
- Over 13,000
- Cause
- Lightning
- Evacuations
- Widespread
- Structures Destroyed
- Dozens of homes in Chinese Camp
- Personnel Fighting Fire
- Over 600
Sources
Northern California Fires: Evacuations Ordered As 6-5 Fire Rapidly Expands To Nearly 3,000 Acres
California wildfire burns historic Chinese Camp homes from Gold Rush era
California Wildfire Tears Through Iconic Gold Mining Town, Homes Reduced To Ashes
Myers Fire In Hemet: Wildfire Prompts Cal Fire Response, Roads Closed Near Blaze | Watch
Wildfires blaze across California Gold Country, ravage historic town
