California Gold Rush Town Devastated as Wildfire Engulfs Homes in Historic Blaze

CHINESE CAMP, Calif. — A rapidly spreading fire has devastated homes in this historic Gold Rush town, established in the 1850s by Chinese miners fleeing nearby encampments. The Sierra Nevada foothill blaze endangered the remaining historic buildings, prompting evacuations for approximately 100 residents and closing a key highway linking San Francisco to Yosemite National Park.While it remains unclear if any Gold Rush-era structures, like the old post office and a vacant Catholic church, sustained damage, the fire erupted on Tuesday and continues to rage uncontrollably. At least 22 fires sparked by lightning on Tuesday have scorched roughly 19 square miles across Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus counties, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Emily Kilgore. Although injuries have not been reported, property losses have occurred. Evacuations may continue as winds and dry conditions complicate firefighting efforts. Local historian Stephen Provost expressed concern, stating, “These places are personal to our hearts.”

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