Lightning-sparked wildfires drove evacuations in Tuolumne County as crews battle a growing Sierra Foothills blaze complex.
Fire officials say a series of fires ignited by lightning Tuesday morning near Highway 4 have escalated into what CAL FIRE is labeling the TCU September Lightning Complex fire. The fires stretch around Don Pedro Reservoir and threaten the communities of Sonora, Arnold, San Andreas and nearby areas.
As of Tuesday night, the complex had scorched 9,383 acres, with the largest segment burning close to 3,000 acres west of Jamestown. The flames were fanned by strong winds and hot, dry conditions, and residents in the affected neighborhoods have been issued evacuation orders and warnings.
Crews are facing hot, dry weather and continued thunderstorms, contributing to what fire officials are calling critical fire weather conditions from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Red flag warnings remain in effect across northern parts of California, including Siskiyou County from the Cascade Mountains to Mt. Shasta and toward Modoc County, through 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters report temperatures in the 90s in the area, with ongoing poor air quality and thick smoke reducing visibility. The National Weather Service notes as many as 4,500 to 5,000 lightning strikes in the region, underscoring the fire danger in the short term.
Fire officials urge residents to stay away from active fire zones, monitor local alerts, and follow evacuation orders. Crews on the ground and in the air are working to establish containment lines and protect communities as conditions remain volatile.
Summary: A lightning-triggered complex in Tuolumne County has burned more than 9,000 acres, prompting evacuations around Sonora, Arnold, and San Andreas. Hot, dry weather and gusty winds are driving critical fire conditions, with red flag warnings in effect and thousands of lightning strikes recorded in the region. The situation is evolving as firefighters strive to contain the blaze and safeguard residents.
Additional notes: As this is a developing event, expect ongoing updates on containment progress, evacuation status, and any changes to fire weather advisories. Authorities recommend readiness plans and to heed burn and outdoor activity restrictions in affected areas.
Positive angle: Emergency responders are actively coordinating resources and logistics to protect homes and communities, and residents are mobilizing to follow safety directives, which improves the odds of reducing damage as the fires are contained.