The complex comprises over 20 wildfires that started as a result of lightning strikes during a series of thunderstorms in late July 2021.

As of 25 October 2021[update], the fire had burned a total of 199,343 acres (80,671 ha) and became 100% contained.

A series of late July thunderstorms created lightning strikes that, over a series of days, started 29 wildfires on the western side of Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County, California.

[3] The next day, on August 3, evacuations were put in place for Cecilville and Caribou Road.

[8] The Summer Fire resulted in an evacuation of the entire China Gulch Trailhead and a closure of the trail on August 2.