Quick-moving wildfire scorches historic California gold mining town, burning multiple homes
Share this @internewscast.com

A fast-moving wildfire ravaged homes in a historic California Gold Rush town, originally settled around 1850 by Chinese miners who had been ousted from a nearby camp, as it continued to spread unchecked on Wednesday.

The blaze quickly grew to 10 square miles (26 square kilometers), prompting the evacuation of Chinese Camp Town and surrounding roadways on Tuesday, as reported by CalFire, California’s primary fire agency. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities.

This wildfire is one among several, known collectively as the TCU September Lightning Complex, which has consumed over 19 square miles (50 square kilometers) across various locations in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties by early Wednesday, with no progress in containment.

At least five homes were burning in the rural town, which has a mix of freestanding and mobile homes.

On Tuesday evening, outside a particular home, seven individuals swiftly cleared large tree branches and doused sand onto the flames to prevent the fire from spreading to the neighboring house. They continued their efforts for about 30 minutes until firefighters arrived. The fire managed to damage an RV on the property.

Fire officials have requested additional resources such as fire engines, dozers and an aircraft.

According to CalFire, the 6-5 Fire, as it’s identified, was ignited by a lightning strike. This incident is one of over a dozen fires that erupted across California on Tuesday.

During the Gold Rush, thousands of Chinese immigrants came to California but faced severe discrimination, including high taxes aimed at forcing them away from mining.

Chinese Camp Town, about 57 miles (92 kilometers) east of Stockton, was settled by Chinese miners after they were driven out of a nearby camp, according to Visit Tuolumne County. Originally called Camp Washington, its name was soon changed to reflect the thousands of people from China who settled there.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Unsung heroes of 2025: First responders and everyday Americans who saved lives across US

Celebrating 2025’s Unsung Heroes: First Responders and Ordinary Citizens Who Became Lifesavers Across America

This year, amidst numerous disasters, it was the quiet acts of bravery…
U.S. Curling Team trains at Minnesota Vikings facility ahead of 2026 Olympics

U.S. Curling Team Prepares for 2026 Olympics at Minnesota Vikings’ State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Elite curlers are enhancing their strength and performance at an NFL training…
Cellphone data defined 2025’s biggest criminal cases as expert calls them a 'crime scene in their pocket'

Experts Reveal How Cellphone Data Cracked 2025’s Major Criminal Cases

In today’s digital age, cellphones have become inadvertent repositories of crucial evidence,…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Violent Altercation Erupts at Westside Bar: Three Injured in Jacksonville Shooting Incident

Authorities revealed that a confrontation inside Tipsy Bar & Grill led to…
The moon and sun figure big in the new year's lineup of cosmic wonders

2024 Cosmic Wonders: Unveiling the Moon and Sun’s Spectacular New Year Performances

The year 2026 is set to be a spectacular one for celestial…
Charlie Kirk’s killing, Idaho murders plea and Karen Read verdict: Inside 2025’s biggest crime moments

Inside 2025’s Major Crime Events: The Charlie Kirk Homicide, Idaho Murder Plea, and Karen Read Verdict

The year 2025 unfolded with a series of crime stories that not…
NFC North champion Chicago Bears players hit by illness ahead of San Francisco 49ers matchup for NFL playoff home-field advantage

NFC North Champion Chicago Bears Face Health Challenges Prior to Crucial Playoff Home-Field Advantage Clash Against San Francisco 49ers

The Chicago Bears are grappling with a widespread illness affecting at least…
Chicago weather forecast: Strong winds, light snow expected in area Monday

Brace for Impact: Chicago’s Monday Forecast Calls for Gusty Winds and Light Snow

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is bracing for challenging travel conditions…
Missing 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos believed to be 'in imminent danger,' Texas sheriff says

Urgent Search: Texas Authorities Declare 19-Year-Old Camila Mendoza Olmos in Imminent Danger

Authorities in Bexar County are expressing grave concerns for the safety of…
Pats demolish Jets 42-10 in latest humiliation for Gang Green

Patriots Dominate Jets with a 42-10 Victory, Adding to New York’s Challenges

December has been a dismal month for the New York Jets, culminating…
JSO: Woman taken into custody after shooting boyfriend at Northside apartment complex

Woman Arrested Following Northside Apartment Shooting Incident

A troubling incident unfolded late Sunday night at the Pointe Grand on…
Pennsylvania man charged after killing mother, wounding father after Christmas

Pennsylvania Resident Faces Charges for Post-Christmas Incident Resulting in Mother’s Death and Father’s Injury

A young man, aged 18, was apprehended in West Virginia following an…