Lightning-Sparked TCU September Complex Burns 12,473 Acres Northern California Forces Evacuations

A series of lightning strikes in early September sparked multiple wildfires collectively known as the TCU September Lightning Complex, burning over 12,400 acres across Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus Counties in Northern California. The largest fires include the 6-5 Fire near Don Pedro Reservoir, which has burned approximately 6,473 acres, and the 2-7 Fire near Vallecito, burning 584 acres, with no containment reported as of Wednesday morning. Evacuations remain in effect for several areas, including the historic community of Chinese Camp and surrounding roads, with shelters open in Altaville and Sonora. While fire activity has moderated compared to Tuesday, officials caution that new fires may still be discovered and advise residents to monitor emergency alerts and evacuate proactively if they feel unsafe. Multiple structures have been visually confirmed as destroyed or damaged, although official reports have yet to confirm the extent of property loss. Weather forecasts predict additional thunderstorms in the Sierra, which could complicate firefighting efforts.