Story perspectives

Gann Fire Rages 10,000 Acres, Kills Woman, Arsonist Arrested

8/9/2026

Summary

Smith Arrested

The Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California, burned more than 10,000 acres, destroyed 18 structures, and killed a woman.
Cal Fire said containment rose from 26% on Thursday to 47% by Friday.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, keeping evacuation orders for zones CCU-109, CCU-130-B, CCU-139, and CCU-147.
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, of Valley Springs, was arrested for causing the fire and posted $20,000 bail.

Summary

Smith Convicted

A FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant was secured, funding extra firefighting resources.
Smith, an inmate firefighter (1999-2000), was convicted in 2018 of setting fire on land, receiving 36 months probation.
Red Cross opened shelters at 189 Pine St. and Avery Middle School.
Deputies reported no looting and escorted residents with water troughs.
Animal shelters accepted small pets at 300 W Daphne St. and livestock at the county fairgrounds.

History

Historical Context

On October 20, 1991 the Oakland-Berkeley Tunnel Firestorm razed 1,520 acres, destroyed nearly 3,300 homes and killed 25 people, prompting Governor Pete Wilson to declare a state of emergency and launch a $1.5 billion federal aid package. The disaster spurred the Oakland-Berkeley Mayors’ Task Force, expanded Cal Fire-FEMA coordination, and today’s Gann Fire response follows the same emergency orders from Governor Gavin Newsom and a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant.

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Smith Arrested

The Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California, burned more than 10,000 acres, destroyed 18 structures, and killed a woman.
Cal Fire said containment rose from 26% on Thursday to 47% by Friday.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, keeping evacuation orders for zones CCU-109, CCU-130-B, CCU-139, and CCU-147.
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, of Valley Springs, was arrested for causing the fire and posted $20,000 bail.

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