Herbert Wayne Smith Accused of Starting the Gann Fire in Calaveras County
Herbert Wayne Smith was arrested on charges of recklessly causing the Gann Fire in Calaveras County. The fire ignited on Monday evening near Hogan Dam and Gann roads, eventually burning over 10,000 acres. Smith stated that the fire was an accident caused while he was using a saw to cut metal scraps to earn money for a birthday dinner with his wife. Officials reported that the fire destroyed seven structures and left one firefighter injured. A body was recovered from a burned home on Jaquima Drive in Angels Camp, though the identity of the person is still pending. Fire crews have achieved 26% containment as conditions have calmed. Over 2,700 personnel are working to combat the blaze, utilizing helicopters and dozers. Evacuations remain in effect for thousands of residents, with shelters provided for people and domestic animals. Schools in the Calaveras Unified School District were closed due to smoke and air quality conditions.