A Northern California man has been arrested in connection with the Gann Fire, a rapidly growing wildfire in Calaveras County that has burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed multiple structures.
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was taken into custody Monday evening after investigators determined that he was responsible for allegedly causing the Gann Fire, according to Cal Fire. The blaze began Aug. 3 in a rural area southeast of New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs.
Smith has reportedly acknowledged that the fire was not intentional. Speaking to Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA, he apologized for what happened and said he had been working to earn money for a birthday dinner with his wife when the fire started.
According to investigators, Smith had been operating equipment believed to be a chainsaw in an area near wildlands. Cal Fire said the equipment did not meet required fire-prevention standards and was capable of producing sparks.
Authorities allege that Smith failed to maintain the required precautions to prevent the fire from escaping the area where he was working.
By Thursday afternoon, the Gann Fire had grown to approximately 10,374 acres and was 26% contained. The wildfire has destroyed seven structures, and a body was reportedly recovered from one of the buildings destroyed by the blaze.
Multiple areas have been placed under evacuation orders as firefighters continue working to slow the fire and protect communities in the path of the flames.
Approximately 2,715 firefighters from more than 20 agencies across California have been assigned to the incident, with air tankers also involved in the firefighting effort.
Smith was booked on suspicion of causing a fire involving a structure, forest or land. Cal Fire has referred the case to the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office for review, and his charges could be updated as the investigation continues.
The Gann Fire remains an active wildfire emergency as crews continue containment and suppression operations across Calaveras County.
Quick Facts
Location: Calaveras County, California
Fire: Gann Fire
Suspect: Herbert Wayne Smith, 65
Fire size: Approximately 10,374 acres
Containment: 26%
Structures destroyed: Seven
Deaths: One body reportedly recovered
Firefighters: Approximately 2,715
Cause: Allegedly linked to equipment operated by Smith
Status: Active wildfire; investigation ongoing
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