A spate of lighting strikes this week ignited a series of wildfires in the Sierra Nevada foothills, including one that damaged multiple buildings in a historical town from California’s Gold Rush era.Chinese Camp, California, just 20 miles from Modesto, was the most severely impacted area. Reports indicate that the 19th Century town had lost its historic post office as well as several other buildings.
Wildfires Burn Over 13,000 Acres
According to a New York Times report, fires have consumed over 13,000 acres in the area, with the largest fire measuring over 6,000 acres individually. The fires, known collectively as the TCU September Lightning Complex, were fueled by “critically dry” grass and brush ignited by the thousands of lighting strikes.
It’s so painful,” said Richard Beale, the owner of the Chinese Camp Store and Tavern, to The New York Times. “[It looks like] one of those cathedrals burned out after World War II.”
Initial reports indicate that historically significant buildings including Fellows Hall and the post office had been damaged or destroyed. However, a report from KCRA indicated that the old Chinese Camp school as well as the St. Francis Savior Catholic Church and cemetery were still standing after the fires swept through.
Chinese Camp Was a Significant Hub for Early Chinese-American Immigrants
First settled in 1849, Chinese Camp was at its height home to more than 5,000 Chinese immigrants who flocked to California during the Gold Rush era. It also served as a stop for the original Wells Fargo stagecoach.
California designated Chinese Camp as a state historical landmark in 1949; its population today numbers less than 100 people, although it remains a tourist attraction as a “ghost town” of California.
