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() Several wildfires sparked by lightning in California’s Central Valley have prompted evacuation orders across two counties as of Wednesday.
The blaze has spread nearly 12,000 acres across Calaveras and Tuolumne counties, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The individual blazes referred to as the 6-5, 2-7 and 2-2 fires have been designated the “TCU September Lightning Complex.”
Fire conditions were expected to persist through at least Thursday, per the National Weather Service. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Photos: California wildfires sparked by lightning hit Chinese Camp
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A fire blazes behind a sign reading “Chinese Camp.” (Credit: CALFIRE Calaveras Unit) -
The 6-5 Fire, part of TCU September Lightning Complex, burns above the Tuolumne River in Tuolumne County, Calif., on Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) -
Smoke from the 6-5 Fire wafts over the Chinese Camp community of Tuolumne County, Calif., on Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) -
CALFIRE crews respond to fires in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. (Credit: CALFIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit) -
CALFIRE crews respond to fires in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. (Credit: CALFIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit) -
CALFIRE crews respond to fires in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. (Credit: CALFIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit)
At least five homes burned in the rural Chinese Camp Town, which has a mix of freestanding and mobile homes.
Chinese Camp, located nearly 60 miles 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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
