Flames Threaten Historic Gold Rush Town in California

A Town with a Rich History

A wildfire is causing chaos in Chinese Camp, a small town in California with a rich history. The town was settled by Chinese miners during the Gold Rush.

The Fire Spreads Rapidly

• Started on Tuesday
• Spread to 10 square miles by Wednesday
• Entire town evacuated
• Nearby highways closed

Part of a Larger Fire Complex

The fire is part of the TCU September Lightning Complex:

• Burned over 19 square miles
• Located in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties
• No containment yet

Efforts to Control the Fire

• Five homes on fire
• Residents tried to save their homes
• Moved branches
• Shoveled sand
• An RV was damaged
• Fire officials requested more help
• Need fire engines, dozers, and aircraft
• Caused by lightning

A Town with a Unique Past

• Originally settled by Chinese miners
• Driven out of a nearby camp
• Originally called Camp Washington
• Name changed to reflect Chinese settlers

Challenges Faced by Chinese Miners

• Thousands came to California during the Gold Rush
• Faced the Foreign Miners Tax
• Designed to drive them away from mining