California’s Historic Chinese Camp Faces Devastation Amid Rapid Wildfire—Is State Prepared?

In the heart of California's Gold Rush country, a new crisis unfolds: the 6-5 Fire, sparked by lightning, has rapidly consumed over six square miles, threatening to erase both homes and history in the once-thriving Chinese Camp. As flames consume this rural town rooted in perseverance against past persecution, it raises urgent concerns about California’s ability to safeguard its communities and heritage from predictable natural disasters. When Lightning Strikes, Where Is State Readiness? The Chinese Camp Town—founded in the mid-19th century by Chinese miners driven out of nearby settlements due to discriminatory policies like the Foreign Miners Tax—now faces a...