Gann Fire updates: Crews gain upper hand in controlling deadly wildfire
Scroll below for live updates on the Gann Fire as we learn them
Crews have made notable progress in subduing a deadly Calaveras County wildfire that forced hundreds to evacuate, destroyed several structures and burned thousands of acres.
The Gann Fire started shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday near Hogan Dam and Gann roads near New Hogan Lake, Cal Fire said.
When it first began, large columns of smoke and fast-moving flames threatened nearby residents, prompting evacuation orders. As of Friday, KCRA 3’s Melanie Wingo observed locations that were once smoldering now no longer appearing to put out smoke.
As crews gain control over the fire, evacuation orders have been reduced, allowing some residents to return home.
While combating the fire, crews recovered the body of a woman found in a burned home along Jaquima Drive in Angels Camp. Friends identified her as Susan Solari, a longtime dog breeder who was active in the American Kennel Club.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in response to the fire, which Cal Fire says has destroyed 18 structures and left a firefighter injured as of Thursday night. A State of Emergency proclamation gives the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and state agencies the authority to provide additional resources as needed to deal with a crisis.
Gann Fire live updatesGann Fire evacuations
Below are the areas where evacuation orders and warnings are in place.
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An evacuation order means people need to immediately move out of the area due to an imminent threat. Under an advisory, residents should follow local recommendations or watch for further instructions.
These are the road closures in the area:
Pool Station Road at Cement Plant RoadPool Station Road at Highway 4Hogan Dam Road at Hunt RoadBear Creek Day Use Area at Hogan Dam Road Evacuation Centers
There are two evacuation centers available for those displaced by the fire.
The first one established is located at Jenny Lind Memorial District at 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs, California 95252, according to the Red Cross. The organization said volunteers will provide water, meals and emotional support.
Community members displaced by the fire are encouraged to bring the following for each member of their family and small pets:
Prescription and other emergency medicationExtra clothingPillows and blanketsHygiene suppliesImportant documentsDiapers, formula and toys for children
On Thursday, the Red Cross opened a second shelter at Avery Middle School on 4545 Moran Road.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office said all displaced livestock can be taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp. An emergency shelter is set up at 300 W Daphne Street in Valley Springs where domesticated animals are welcomed, according to the sheriff’s office.
Gann Fire arrest
Herbert Wayne Smith is accused of starting the Gann Fire, according to Cal Fire. He was arrested on charges related to recklessly causing a fire.
Jail records show he was taken into custody at 8591 Hogan Dam Road at 7:43 p.m. Monday, hours after the Gann Fire ignited.
In a one-on-one interview with KCRA 3, Smith claims it was all an accident. The Monday the fire started was also his birthday. He said he wanted to earn some money for a dinner with his wife by gathering some scraps, and was using a saw to cut some scraps when the fire started.
“I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened,” Smith said. “That was never my intent. I was just out there trying to get some money together, and it turned into this.”
Smith said he has since posted bond, and jail records also reflect that.
On Thursday, KCRA 3 obtained records that show Smith faced a 2018 fire-related offense. It was a charge that stated he “willfully and unlawfully set fire to any forest, brush, or other flammable material which is on any land that is not his own, or under his legal control, without the permission of the owner, lessee, or agent of the owner or lessee of the land.”
Gann Fire acreage, containment and conditions
At 7:38 a.m. Friday, Cal Fire said at least 10,374 acres have been burned. Some of the acres include dry brush that crews intentionally burned to prevent the Gann Fire from continuing to spread.
As of 7:38 a.m. Friday, Cal Fire said it established 40% containment around the burn area. That is up from the 33% reported Thursday evening.
Cal Fire said there are more than 3,100 personnel combating the fire.
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Rollover and crash during fire
There was a dozer rollover reported Monday, injuring a firefighter, who was taken to a hospital and is being medically evaluated. The condition of the firefighter is unknown.
As crews were on scene, a pickup truck crashed head-on with a fire engine blocking the road, according to footage from a KCRA 3 news crew. The crash resulted in major damage to the front of the truck.
California Highway Patrol officers moved the truck out of the way to clear the road for fire crews.
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