Chinese Camp

Fire Debris Removal (Chinese Camp) - Tuolumne County  2025

Fire Damage (Chinese Camp) - Tuolumne County  2025

"Chinese Camp is the remnant of a notable California Gold Rush mining town. Between 1849 and 1882, thousands of Chinese immigrants arrived in the area to look for good fortune on the legendary 'Gold Mountain.'"

"The TCU September Lightning Complex included more than 20 lightning-sparked wildfires in four counties that spanned the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada, east of Modesto. All told, the complex has burned nearly 14,000 acres. Some fires were less than an acre, while others grew to thousands. 

"In the swirl of so many fires that consumed the Sierra Nevada foothills all at once, Chinese Camp burned to the ground in what felt like a blip. Another California town gone, claimed by wildfire, forever lost. This one had history dating back to the Gold Rush, when thousands of Chinese immigrants lived here, mining for gold or working as servants for American miners. The town’s first post office was established in 1854, and the town grew into a hub for stage coach lines with travelers passing through."

I just paid a quick visit while driving over to Bishop. I found it a bit unusual that the area consists of rolling hills studded with oak trees. Not thickly forested! The wind must have been a main factor causing the fire damage.

There is still some structures remaining in the town; I'd hope that some residents will be able to return.