TCU September Lightning Complex
The TCU September Lightning Complex Fire was a wildfire that burned in Tuolumne County, California, Calaveras County, California, Stanislaus County, California, and San Joaquin County, California. On September 13, the fire was fully contained at 13,869 acres (5,613 ha).[1] It is the third largest wildfire in California during the 2025 wildfire season.[2] BackgroundThe TCU September Lightning Complex ignited after a series of widespread thunderstorms brought more than 10,000 lightning strikes across Northern California in late August 2025.[3] Rising daytime temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s °F, combined with gusty afternoon winds and critically low relative humidity, created rapid fire spread conditions. A series of red flag warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for the Sierra Nevada foothills during the event.[4] "TCU" refers to the Tuolumne-Calaveras unit, the CAL FIRE operational unit assigned to the area.[5] Persistent drought in the Sierra Nevada region compounded the risk. According to Cal Fire’s statewide seasonal report, rainfall totals since the previous winter had fallen to less than 65 percent of normal, leaving live fuel and dead fuel moisture at critically low levels.[6] Drying oak woodlands and thick grass loads provided ample fuel, while limited overnight humidity recovery allowed the fire to remain active through multiple burning periods. Progression The TCU September Lightning Complex was first reported during the evening of September 2, 2025, near Chinese Camp, California in Tuolumne County. The cause was attributed to lightning from a widespread thunderstorm outbreak that ignited multiple fires across the Sierra Nevada foothills.[7] Within its first operational period, the complex had grown to more than 2,000 acres, driven by hot temperatures, low humidity, and erratic winds. By the morning of September 3, it had expanded to over 13,700 acres with containment at 15 percent.[8] The fire advanced rapidly through the historic town of Chinese Camp, destroying and damaging numerous structures before firefighters were able to establish control lines around the community. Spot fires ignited ahead of the main front, forcing road closures along California State Route 49 and California State Route 120.[9] By September 4, the complex was still active, and containment efforts were underway on all active fires; mop-up was ongoing where containment lines had been established. At that time it was approximately 13,790 acres in size with about 15% containment. [10] Over the following days, firefighting crews expanded control lines, continued mop-up operations, and monitored weather and fire behavior. As of September 13, 2025, the TCU September Lightning Complex has been declared 100% contained, with a final acreage of 13,869 acres. All individual fires in the complex are fully contained. [11] EffectsMandatory evacuations displaced residents in and around Chinese Camp, California.[12] The blaze destroyed dozens of homes and damaged historic structures in the Gold Rush–era town, though landmarks such as the 1854 church, post office, and Chinese Camp Store were spared.[13] One firefighter was injured when a fire engine was overturned near the fire, and he was brought to a local medical facility. His condition was not immediately disclosed.[14] The fire prompted the closure of California State Route 49 near Chinese Camp and portions of California State Route 120, as well as the shutdown of multiple local roads in Tuolumne County.[15] Evacuation orders were issued by Cal Fire for several zones in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties, including areas surrounding Chinese Camp, Moccasin, and parts of Jamestown.[16] Currently, more than 3,000 structures are threatened by the wildfire.[17] Growth and containment table
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