According to a New York Times report, fires have consumed over 13,000 acres in the area, with the largest fire measuring over 6,000 acres individually. The fires, known collectively as the TCU September Lightning Complex, were fueled by “critically dry” grass and brush ignited by the thousands of lighting strikes.

A historic California Gold Rush-era town lay in ruins Wednesday after lightning storms sparked almost two dozen wildfires.

A historic California Gold Rush-era town lay in ruins this Wednesday after lightning storms sparked almost two dozen wildfires.