Central California's September Lightning Complex fires engulf over 14,000 acres, prompting some evacuation order reductions.
Central California Wildfires Update: TCU September Lightning Complex Continues to Spread
Thunderstorms sweeping through the Central Valley and the Bay Area have ignited a series of wildfires, collectively known as the TCU September Lightning Complex. As of Thursday evening, the complex consists of 22 fires and has burned nearly 14,000 acres, with only 20% containment.
The largest fires within the complex include the 2-2 Fire, burning in the northern corner of Stanislaus County, which has consumed more than 3,400 acres and is currently at 80% containment. The 2-2 Fire initially prompted mandatory evacuation orders for several zones, including CCU-155 and CCU-152-A, near the Calaveras-Stanislaus county line. However, evacuation orders for this fire have since been lifted.
Another significant fire is the 2-7 Fire, located near the Vallecito region off Highway 4. This fire has burned approximately 606 acres and is currently at 20% containment. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for zones CCU-134-B and CCU-134-E, as well as for the north end of Don Pedro Reservoir up to Chinese Camp, where Highway 49 and Highway 108 meet. Four zones in evacuation orders for the 2-7 Fire were downgraded on Wednesday evening: CCY-134-A, CCU-134-D, CCU-134-F, and CCU-133-B.
The 2-3 Fire, near O'Byrnes Ferry Road and Copper Cove Court southeast of Copperopolis, has burned at least 290 acres with 15% containment. The 2-8 Fire, burning in Copperopolis along Little John Road, has burned around 1,326 acres with the same level of containment.
The organization primarily responsible for combating wildfires in central California is the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The historic Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County has experienced a lot of destruction due to the 6-5 Fire, which has burned more than 7,037 acres with no containment reported as of Thursday evening.
Several evacuation shelters have been established to accommodate those affected by the fires. Bret Harte High School at 364 Murphys Grade Road in Angels Camp is serving as an evacuation shelter for the 2-7 Fire. Cal Fire's acting evacuation shelter is located at the Sonora Senior Center at 540 Greenley Road in Sonora.
In addition, Chicken Rancho Casino Resort in Jamestown is offering a complimentary night's stay to evacuees with a valid ID.
The Highway 120 and Highway 108 divide, known as Yosemite junction, is closed due to the fire with no estimated time for reopening. Highway 120 is closed from Chinese Camp to Jacksonville Road. Highway 4 was closed between Escalon Bellota Road in San Joaquin County and Telegraph Road in Calaveras County due to the 2-2 Fire, but reopened in the afternoon.
As the wildfires continue to spread, residents are urged to stay informed and follow any evacuation orders or warnings issued by local authorities.
