UPDATE: A devastating wildfire known as the 6-5 Fire has erupted in the historic town of Chinese Camp, California, engulfing several homes and forcing immediate evacuations. Reports from CalFire confirm that the blaze, sparked by lightning, has rapidly spread to an alarming size of 6.25 square miles (16.1 square kilometers) as of Tuesday night, September 2, 2025.
Local officials have reported that at least five homes are currently ablaze in the quaint community, which is approximately 40 miles east of Modesto and 57 miles east of Stockton. The rural town, settled by Chinese miners in the mid-1800s, is now facing a critical situation as the fire remains uncontained.
Authorities are actively mobilizing additional resources, including fire engines, bulldozers, and aircraft, to combat the inferno. As of now, there are no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities, but the urgency of the situation is escalating as flames threaten to spread further into the community.
Residents are on high alert, with some actively working to protect their properties. One resident was seen attempting to prevent flames from a burning home from reaching neighboring houses, highlighting the human impact of this crisis.
Chinese Camp, which was originally known as Camp Washington before its name change to honor the influx of Chinese settlers, is now grappling with the harsh realities of wildfire threats. The community’s rich history is at risk as firefighters battle the flames under challenging conditions.
As this situation develops, residents and officials are urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders. The fire’s progression can be tracked through real-time updates available at Windy.com.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. This article uses reporting from the Associated Press.
