Incident Update TCU September Lightning Complex

Date:
09/04/2025
Time:
8:50 PM

Incident Facts

Name
TCU September Lightning Complex
Start Date/Time
2025-09-02
Incident Status
Active
Location
Multiple locations across Calaveras, Tuolumne County, San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County
Type
Wildfire
Cause
Lightning
Counties
Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne
Administration Unit
CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
Unified Command Agency(s)
Size
13,966
Containment
20%
Structures Threatened
0
Structures Destroyed
53
Structures Damaged
6
Civilian Injuries
Firefighter Injuries
1
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

Today minimal fire activity was observed with smoldering pockets continuing to be found throughout the complex. 
Firefighters will be continuing direct attack as they work to strengthen and improve containment lines and evaluate opportunities for suppression repair. 
Sunny skies continued over the fire area, with temperatures climbing into the 90s. This week we are expecting temperatures to cool with humidity increasing in the fire area and wind gusts slowly start to pick up over the next few days.

A Damage Inspection Team has arrived, and initial assessments are underway.  

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:
  • 1-1 Fire: 5 acres
  • 1-2 Fire: 40 acres - 15% Contained
  • 1-3 Fire: 95 acres - 100% Contained
  • 2-1 Fire: 0.35 acres
  • 2-2 Fire: 3,462 acres, 80% Contained / Visit the 2-2 Fire information page
  • 2-3 Fire: 294 acres - 15% Contained/ Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
  • 2-4 Fire: 47 acres
  • 2-5 Fire: 0.01 acres -100% Contained
  • 2-6 Fire: 0.25 acres - 100% Contained
  • 2-7 Fire: 606 acres - 20% Contained / Visit the 2-7 Fire information page
  • 2-8 Fire: 1,332 acres- 15% Contained / Visit the 2-8 Fire information page
  • 4-5 Fire: 3.2 acres - 50% Contained / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
  • 5-1 Fire: 0.01 acres
  • 5-2 Fire: 2.8 acres - 100 % Contained / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
  • 5-3 Fire: 0.01 acres
  • 5-4 Fire: 0.01 acres
  • 6-2 Fire: 1025 acres - 15% Contained / Visit the 6-2 Fire information page
  • 6-3 Fire: 1 acre - 100% Contained
  • 6-4 Fire: 0.01 acres
  • 6-5 Fire: 7,037 acres - 0% / Visit the 6-5 Fire information page
  • 6-6 Fire: 15 acres - 100% Contained

Incident Photos and Videos

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders

Evacuation Orders issued for the following zones: 

2-7 Fire

  • CCU-134-C, and CCU-134-E.

6-5 Fire

  • Chinese Camp Town
  • Six Bit Ranch Road
  • Six Bit Gulch Road
  • Red Hill Road
  • J-59 to Old Don Pedro Road
  • Don Pedro Dam Road
  • Old Don Pedro Dam Road
  • Menkee Hess Road
  • Both sides of highway 120 from Chinese Camp to Highway 120 Bridge
  • Rojo 
  • Shawmut Road
  • All Roads east of Highway 108 from J-59 to Highway 120

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation Warnings issued for the following zones: 

2-7 Fire

  • CCU-114, CCU-115, CCU-132-A, CCU-133-B, CCU-134-A, CCU-134-D, CCU-134-F, and CCU-143-B.
  • Residences accessed via Vallecito Bypass Road
  • Residences accessed via Bowling Green Road
  • 2870 Highway 4 and all areas south of that location
  • 634 Six Mile Road and all homes northeast of that address

Residents in these areas are now permitted to return to their homes; however, they are advised to remain alert and prepared to evacuate again should conditions change. Zones: CCU-134-A, CCU-134-D, CCU-134-F, and CCU-133-B

6-5 Fire

  • All Areas from Bell Mooney & Jacksonville Road
  • West to Highway 49 and Highway 108 South to Old Jacksonville Road
  • All roads East of Highway 108 from Junction 59 to Highway 49
  • Highway 49, Enterprise Drive and High-Tech Drive

Evacuation Shelters

The evacuation shelters will remain open until further notice.

Calaveras County:

  • Bret Harte High School
    323 South Main Street
    Altaville, CA 95221

Tuolumne County:

  • Sonora Senior Center
    540 Greenley Road
    Sonora, CA 95370

Animal Evacuation Shelters

Calaveras County:

Livestock only:

  • Calaveras County Fairgrounds Livestock Evacuation Center
    101 Frogtown Road
    Angels Camp, 95222

Small, domestic pets:

  • Bret Harte High School
    323 South Main Street
    Altaville, CA 95221

Tuolumne County:

  • Sonora Senior Center : Pets are allowed and animal control is on scene assisting
    540 Greenley Road
    Sonora, CA 95370

Road Closures

  • Six Mile Road at Old Murphys Road
  • Highway 49 at Sims Road and 120 at Sims Road
  • Sims road between Highway 49 and 120 is now open

Assigned Resources

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines
159
Water Tenders
51
Helicopters
11
Dozers
19
Hand Crews
48
Other
3
Total Personnel
1945

Cooperating Agencies

Name Phone Address URL
BLM, CalTrans, CHP, CDCR, Calaveras County Sheriff, Tuolumne County Sheriff, SPI, PG&E, California Valley Miwok Tribe, Chicken Ranch Band of Me-Wuk Indians