Calaveras County Man Arrested for Causing Gann Fire That Grew to 10,000 Acres
Herbert Wayne Smith Faces Charges Amid Growing Blaze
A 65-year-old handyman from Valley Springs, California, United States of America was arrested on suspicion of starting the Gann Fire, which has rapidly expanded to over 10,000 acres and resulted in significant devastation. Herbert Wayne Smith was taken into custody on Monday evening, shortly after 7:45 PM.
According to arrest records, the Gann Fire ignited earlier that day in a rural area southeast of New Hogan Lake. As of Thursday afternoon, the fire had consumed approximately 10,374 acres and was reported to be 26% contained. This rapid expansion has led to the destruction of at least seven structures, including a burned building from which a body was reportedly recovered.
Authorities, including fire officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), have confirmed that Smith was operating non-compliant equipment—a chainsaw capable of producing sparks—when the fire started. Investigators noted that he failed to adhere to fire prevention regulations, which require individuals working near wildlands to clear flammable vegetation and maintain firefighting tools.
The fire prompted multiple evacuations in the area, with around 2,715 firefighting personnel from over 20 agencies engaged in responding to the blaze. Air tankers have also been deployed to aid in containment efforts.
In a statement, Cal Fire confirmed that Smith was responsible for recklessly causing the fire. He was initially booked for allegedly causing a fire that affected structures or land, but the charges may evolve following the recovery of the body.
On Thursday afternoon, Smith expressed remorse during an interview with KCRA, a Sacramento NBC affiliate. "I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened," he said. Smith claimed that he was attempting to earn money for a birthday dinner for his wife when the incident occurred.
This is not the first time Smith has faced legal issues related to fire. In 2019, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of burning lands belonging to another person. He was sentenced to pay $600 in court fees and served three years of probation.
The case is now under review by the Calaveras County district attorney’s office as authorities continue to investigate the blaze and its causes.
The ongoing fire represents a growing concern for local communities as wildfire season intensifies across California.
