Northern California Gann Fire tops 10,000 acres in Calaveras County, suspect arrested
By Cecilio Padilla, Richard Ramos
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CALAVERAS COUNTY, California (KOVR) — A Valley Springs man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of recklessly causing the Gann Fire, which has burned more than 10,000 acres and forced mandatory evacuations in Northern California’s Calaveras County.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) announced Wednesday that Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested Monday on suspicion of recklessly causing a fire following an origin-and-cause investigation into the wildfire, which ignited that same day in a rural area southeast of New Hogan Lake.
Jail records show Smith bonded out on Tuesday night. CBS News Sacramento knocked on the door of Smith’s home on Wednesday to request a statement, but Smith declined to comment on the matter.
Investigators said Smith was operating spark-producing equipment in vegetation without complying with state fire prevention requirements. Investigators also allege he allowed the fire to escape his control and spread beyond where it originated.
Cal Fire said the case has been submitted to the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.
Late Wednesday night, Cal Fire confirmed that at least seven structures had been destroyed in the fire but did not clarify what types of structures they were. The agency also said one firefighter was hurt on the first night of the fire in a dozer incident.
Wednesday morning, the Calaveras Unified School District announced that all campuses will reopen Thursday after being closed for a day because of smoke and air-quality concerns from the Gann Fire.
The district announced Wednesday afternoon that students would return to class Aug. 6 after officials monitored the fire’s progress and local air quality.
Outdoor activities will be modified as needed, with students moved indoors when air quality conditions warrant, district officials said. Fire and smoke conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the day.
Families affected by evacuations are being encouraged to contact their schools for student support.
Cal Fire listed the Northern California wildfire at 10,373 acres with 19% containment as of early Wednesday evening.
Wednesday morning’s update included the first reported containment of the Gann Fire since it started Monday near New Hogan Lake.
Firefighters continued a firing operation intended to remove vegetation ahead of the flames and strengthen containment lines. Officials warned that the operation could produce additional smoke.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones CCU-109, CCU-110-A, CCU-130-B, CCU-139, CCU-140 and CCU-147.
Warnings are in place for zones CCU-110-B, CCU-111, CCU-131, CCU-148 and CCU-153. People who need additional time to leave, along with those who have pets or livestock, are being urged to evacuate.
The affected area stretches from the northeastern side of New Hogan Lake to west of San Andreas. It reaches east toward the Calaveras County Airport, south toward Salt Spring Valley Reservoir and just west of Angels Camp.
An evacuation shelter is open at the Valley Springs Veterans Memorial at 189 Pine Street. Small pets are accepted.
A separate shelter for large animals is available at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp.
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