Chinese Camp: Historic Gold Rush California town overrun by wildfire [Photos]

A fast-moving wildfire known as the 6-5 Fire has swept through Chinese Camp, a historic Gold Rush-era town in California that dates back to the mid-1800s. The blaze, which began earlier this week, grew rapidly on Wednesday to more than 10 square miles with no containment reported, according to CalFire, California’s chief firefighting agency.

Fast-moving fire overruns Chinese camp

Authorities say the fire was ignited by lightning strikes and is part of the TCU September Lightning Complex, a series of wildfires burning across Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. Collectively, these fires have scorched more than 19 square miles since Tuesday, forcing evacuations and threatening rural communities in the region.

On Tuesday, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for Chinese Camp and surrounding highways as flames spread quickly through the area. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for several other communities as firefighters work to slow the fires’ advance. So far, no deaths or injuries have been reported.

Chinese Camp, located about 57 miles east of Stockton, holds a unique place in California history. Originally known as Camp Washington, the town was renamed after thousands of Chinese immigrants settled there during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. Today, Chinese Camp has a population of roughly 60 residents and consists of single-family homes, mobile homes, and several abandoned buildings. 

As of Wednesday, at least five homes in the area had been destroyed by the flames, underscoring the fire’s growing threat to rural communities across the region.

The 6-5 Fire is not the only blaze firefighters are battling. Two other major wildfires—the 2-2 Fire in northern Stanislaus County and the 2-7 Fire in Calaveras County—have also prompted evacuations as dry conditions and gusty winds complicate firefighting efforts.

State officials have urged residents to remain alert as crews work around the clock to contain the blazes. With hot, dry weather forecasted to continue, the risk of additional lightning-sparked fires remains high across parts of California.

Photos show fast-moving wildfire in California Gold Rush town

Residents try to stop flames from a burning home 

The 6-5 fire burns the Chinese Camp community

The 6-5 Fire crossed a road in Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County, on Sept. 2, 2025

Residents clear trees to stop the flame spreading

The fire burns a structure on Sep.2, 2025

A firefighter tries to battle the 6-5 fire