California’s fast-moving Lightning Complex fire becomes third-largest burning in state

(FOX40.COM) — The TCU September Lightning Complex Fire that ignited on Tuesday in Tuolumne County has swiftly moved up in rankings to the third-largest fire out of 40 burning in the state, according to Cal Fire.

The Lightning Complex fire

is a combination of several separate fires that are now being fought as one because of their proximity to each other. It originated on Highway 4 and Dutton Road, West of Copperopolis. Flames began to spread around 4 p.m. and as of 9:30 p.m., they have burned through 9,383 acres in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. So far, none of it has been contained and several structures have been destroyed.

Evacuation orders have been issued for several parts of Tuolumne County because of an immediate threat to life. Those areas include CCU-133-B, CCU-134, CCU-134-C, CCU-134-D and
CCU-134-E.

Additionally, evacuation warnings have been issued for surrounding areas because there is a potential threat to life and/or property. Warnings are in effect for CCU-114, CCU-115, CCU-132-A, CCU-133-C, and CCU-143-B.

As of Tuesday, the largest burning fire in California is the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara. It has burned 131,614 acres and is 97% contained. It’s followed by the Garnet Fire in Fresno, which sits at 28,835 acres and 12% containment.

For updates on California fires and evacuations, visit fire.ca.gov