TCU September Lighting Complex

TCU September Lightning Complex (2 fires), Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, Cal Fire. Six miles southwest of Jamestown, CA. Timber, grass and chaparral. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area and road closures in effect.

September 11, 2025 at 8:48 AM

Cooler weather today continued to support firefighters efforts to extinguish area of heat within the fires perimeter today. Crews continue fire suppression repair activities such as repairing control lines and restoring the landscape impacted by suppression efforts. 

As work continues, please drive carefully in and around the area and watch for crews and equipment along the roadways. 

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 1-1 Fire: 5 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-2 Fire: 41 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-3 Fire: 95 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-1 Fire: 0.35 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-2 Fire: 3,463 acres – 100% Contained / Visit the 2-2 Fire information page
• 2-3 Fire: 285 acres – 100% Contained/ Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-4 Fire: 43 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-5 Fire: 0.01 acres -100% Contained
• 2-6 Fire: 0.25 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-7 Fire: 621 acres – 100% Contained / Visit the 2-7 Fire information page
• 2-8 Fire: 1,340 acres- 100% Contained / Visit the 2-8 Fire information page
• 4-5 Fire: 3 acres – 100% Contained / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-1 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-2 Fire: 3 acres – 100 % Contained / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 5-3 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-4 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-2 Fire: 1,025 acres – 98% Contained / Visit the 6-2 Fire information page
• 6-3 Fire: 1 acre – 100% Contained
• 6-4 Fire: 0.02 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-5 Fire: 6,935 acres – 94% / Visit the 6-5 Fire information page
• 6-6 Fire: 8 acres – 100% Contained

September 10, 2025 at 8:03 AM

Overnight, firefighters saw no fire behavior on any of the fires in the complex due to increased humidity. Cooler conditions remain in place and fuel conditions continue to improve across the fire area. Crews continue fire suppression repair activities such as repairing control lines and restoring the landscape impacted by suppression efforts. 

As work continues, please drive carefully in and around the area and watch for crews and equipment along the roadways. 

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 1-1 Fire: 5 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-2 Fire: 41 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-3 Fire: 95 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-1 Fire: 0.35 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-2 Fire: 3,463 acres – 100% Contained / Visit the 2-2 Fire information page
• 2-3 Fire: 285 acres – 100% Contained/ Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-4 Fire: 43 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-5 Fire: 0.01 acres -100% Contained
• 2-6 Fire: 0.25 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-7 Fire: 621 acres – 100% Contained / Visit the 2-7 Fire information page
• 2-8 Fire: 1,340 acres- 100% Contained / Visit the 2-8 Fire information page
• 4-5 Fire: 3 acres – 100% Contained / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-1 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-2 Fire: 3 acres – 100 % Contained / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 5-3 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-4 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-2 Fire: 1,025 acres – 95% Contained / Visit the 6-2 Fire information page
• 6-3 Fire: 1 acre – 100% Contained
• 6-4 Fire: 0.02 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-5 Fire: 6,935 acres – 90% / Visit the 6-5 Fire information page
• 6-6 Fire: 8 acres – 100% Contained

September 8, 2025 at 10:39 AM

Overnight humidity recovery was high. Conditions remained cooler below 1,000 feet, and winds were light. 

Today, firefighters are focused on continuing to keep all 21 fires within control lines and doing mop up operations. Suppression repair is ongoing, including work in dozer lines, and removing excess hose and debris. Crews will remain engaged until repair work is complete. 

Evacuation downgrades have allowed many residents to return to Chinese Camp and begin the recovery process. 

Please continue to use caution when returning home due to emergency crews working in the area. 

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 1-1 Fire: 5 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-2 Fire: 40 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-3 Fire: 95 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-1 Fire: 0.35 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-2 Fire: 3,462 acres – 100% Contained / Visit the 2-2 Fire information page
• 2-3 Fire: 294 acres – 60% Contained/ Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-4 Fire: 47 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-5 Fire: 0.01 acres -100% Contained
• 2-6 Fire: 0.25 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-7 Fire: 606 acres – 60% Contained / Visit the 2-7 Fire information page
• 2-8 Fire: 1,332 acres- 60% Contained / Visit the 2-8 Fire information page
• 4-5 Fire: 3 acres – 100% Contained / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-1 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-2 Fire: 3 acres – 100 % Contained / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 5-3 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 5-4 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-2 Fire: 1,025 acres – 65% Contained / Visit the 6-2 Fire information page
• 6-3 Fire: 1 acre – 100% Contained
• 6-4 Fire: 0.01 acres – 100% Contained
• 6-5 Fire: 7,037 acres – 65% / Visit the 6-5 Fire information page
• 6-6 Fire: 15 acres – 100% Contained

September 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM

Overnight fire activity moderated across the complex as humidity increased. Crews worked through the night, continuing suppression efforts.

Personnel are in steep rugged terrain working to extinguish all fires in the complex. Today crews will continue direct attack, working right along the fire’s edge constructing and strengthening control lines.

A Damage Inspection Team continues to assess all areas where structures have been impacted.

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 1-1 Fire: 5 acres, 100% Contained
• 1-2 Fire: 40 acres – 100% Contained
• 1-3 Fire: 95 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-1 Fire: 0.35 acres, 50% Contained
• 2-2 Fire: 3,462 acres, 100% Contained / Visit the 2-2 Fire information page
• 2-3 Fire: 294 acres – 50% Contained/ Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-4 Fire: 47 acres, 100% Contained
• 2-5 Fire: 0.01 acres -100% Contained
• 2-6 Fire: 0.25 acres – 100% Contained
• 2-7 Fire: 606 acres – 50% Contained / Visit the 2-7 Fire information page
• 2-8 Fire: 1,332 acres- 50% Contained / Visit the 2-8 Fire information page
• 4-5 Fire: 3.2 acres – 80% Contained / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-1 Fire: 0.01 acres, 100% Contained
• 5-2 Fire: 2.8 acres – 100 % Contained / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 5-3 Fire: 0.01 acres, 100% Contained
• 5-4 Fire: 0.01 acres, 100% Contained
• 6-2 Fire: 1,025 acres – 60% Contained / Visit the 6-2 Fire information page
• 6-3 Fire: 1 acre – 100% Contained
• 6-4 Fire: 0.01 acres, 100% Contained
• 6-5 Fire: 7,037 acres – 10% / Visit the 6-5 Fire information page
• 6-6 Fire: 15 acres – 100% Contained

September 3, 2025 at 7:48 PM

On September 3, 2025, while engaged in fire suppression operations on the TCU September Lightning Complex, a CAL FIRE-contracted bulldozer was involved in a rollover incident. The operator of the bulldozer was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation. No other personnel were involved in the incident. Firefighting operations on the TCU September Lightning Complex continue, with the safety of firefighters and the public remaining CAL FIRE’s top priority. The cause of the rollover is under investigation. The Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit extends its gratitude to all responding personnel and partner agencies assisting in the firefighting effort.

September 3, 2025 at 7:13 PM

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, running and short range spotting. Threats to structures, critical infrastructure, endangered species, watershed, cultural and heritage resources. Evacuation orders in effect. Road closures in the area.Fires in remote locations with difficult access. Weather and terrain hindering suppression efforts. CAL FIRE IMT6 (Magana) in command.

Multiple fires remained active today with short range spotting, rollout and trees falling contributing to fire spread.

Increased day time temperatures and lack of cloud cover are contributing to decreased moisture in the vegetation throughout the complex area. Northwest winds are expected to continue throughout the area.

Crews will continue to construct containment line through the night.  

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

20 Fires Total

1-1, 5 acres 0% contained
1-2, 15 acres 0% contained
2-2, 3462 acres 0% contained
2-3, 294 acres 15% contained
2-4, 47 acres 100% contained
2-7, 598 acres, 10% contained
2-8, 1,332 acres, 15% contained
6-2, 1,025 acres, 15% contained
6-5, 6,965 acres 5% contained

Evacuation Shelters

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

September 3, 2025 at 7:37 AM The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 2-2 Fire: The 2-2 Fire burning in Calaveras and Stanislaus counties grew to over 3,400 acres in the first operational period. The fire remains active with no containment. Rapid rate of spread from morning start near Hwy 4, prompted resource surges including engines, dozers, water tenders, helicopters, and tankers. Earlier evacuation warnings in Calaveras County have since been lifted, though structure protection and suppression efforts continue.
• 2-3 Fire: 150 acres / Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-7 Fire: The 2-7 Fire in Calaveras County remains active with zero containment. Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect across multiple zones, and additional engines, dozers, and aircraft have been requested as the fire pushes northeast and threatens structures.
• 2-8 Fire: The 2-8 Fire in Calaveras County remains active with no containment. The fire has grown rapidly from initial 5 acres earlier yesterday, prompting multiple air tanker and helicopter requests as it pushes toward O’Byrnes Ferry. Flight intel mapping shows the current perimeter and structure protection efforts are ongoing.
• 4-5 Fire: 3.25 acres / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-2 Fire: 7 acres / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 6-2 Fire: 883 acres / Old Don Pedro Rd, West of Jamestown
• 6-5 Fire: The 6-5 Fire in Tuolumne County has grown rapidly today and remains active with no containment. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place with widespread warnings extending further. Incident Command has requested significant resources, including engines, dozers, crews, and aircraft, as the fire burns at a dangerous rate of spread and threatens multiple structures.

Evacuation Orders

Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

Evacuation Orders issued for the following zones: 

2-7 Fire

• CCU-133-B
• CCU-134
• CCU-134-C
• CCU-134-D
• CCU-134-E

6-5 Fire

• 6-5 Fire Evacuation Order Zones: For more information about current evacuation orders please go to: Tuolumne County Fire Information Map 

Evacuation Warnings

Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.

Evacuation Warnings issued for the following zones: 

2-7 Fire

• CCU-114
• CCU-115
• CCU-132-A
• CCU-133-C
• CCU-143-B

Evacuation Shelters

Calaveras County – Bret Harte High School:323 South Main Street, Altaville, CA 95221

Tuolumne County- Sonora Senior Center 540 Greenley Rd Sonora, CA

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 – 540 Greenley Rd, Sonora, CA 95370

-Pets are allowed and animal control is on scene assisting

The TCU September Lighting Complex consists of:

• 1-2 Fire: 15 acres / Hogback Ridge, West of San Andreas
• 2-2 Fire: 1300 acres / Hwy 4 at Dutton, West of Copperopolis
• 2-3 Fire: 20 acres / Copper Cove Ct at Obyrnes Ferry Rd, Copperopolis
• 2-7 Fire: 451 acres / Six Mile Rd, Vallecito
• 2-8 Fire: 499 acres / Little John Rd, Copperopolis
• 4-5 Fire: 2 acres / McCormick Meadows, South of Arnold 
• 5-2 Fire: 5-10 acres / Lyons Bald Mountain Rd, Sonora
• 6-2 Fire: 40 acres / Old Don Pedro Rd, West of Jamestown
• 6-5 Fire: 2955 acres / Red Hills, West of Jamestown