A fast-moving wildfire known as the 6-5 Fire has exploded in size in Northern California, forcing emergency officials to issue evacuation orders for multiple communities in Tuolumne County.
Cal Fire said the blaze ignited at 10:34 AM Tuesday near Old Don Pedro Road and Big Cree Court, just south of Jamestown. Initially covering 200 acres by early afternoon, the fire surged to 2,956 acres by 4 PM.
BREAKING: Several structures affected due to 6-5 Fire in Chinese Camp, California. – Faytuks Network
Photo: Leann Eagle pic.twitter.com/8AdLWrCvAh
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) September 2, 2025
Grouped Under TCU September Lightning Complex
The 6-5 Fire is now part of the TCU September Lightning Complex, which also includes the 2-2 Fire and 2-7 Fire—both sparked by recent lightning strikes. The 2-2 Fire is the largest of the group, burning over 1,000 acres.
Thick smoke plumes have reduced visibility across the region, and health officials warn that air quality in Northern California has reached unhealthy levels due to the fires.
Evacuation Orders for Keystone and Chinese Camp
Evacuations are mandatory for Keystone, Chinese Camp, and the surrounding areas near La Grange Road, Old Don Pedro Road, and Sixbit Gulch Road. Residents are urged to leave immediately for their safety.
Earlier, these zones were under warnings, but worsening conditions triggered full evacuation orders.
Structures at Risk, Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Scanner reports indicate structures are actively being lost in Central California near Chinese Camp. Fire crews are battling steep terrain, dry vegetation, and high winds as the blaze spreads rapidly.
Cal Fire continues to deploy resources to contain the flames, while officials warn more fires could ignite due to lightning activity.
