The fast-moving Gann Fire ignited shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road near Valley Springs in Calaveras County, according to state officials. By Wednesday, August 6, 2026, Cal Fire reported that the wildfire had burned at least 10,373 acres, according to reporting from KCRA. The fire’s rapid progression initially threatened nearby communities, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and warnings across multiple zones near New Hogan Lake. Officials noted that hot temperatures, steep terrain, dry vegetation, and light winds contributed to the spread of the blaze, while night-flying helicopters and ground crews worked overnight to support firefighting efforts.
Gann Fire Growth and Current Conditions
Evacuations and Community Resources
Mandatory evacuation orders have been implemented for several zones, including Zone CCU-109, Zone CCU-110-A, Zone CCU-139, Zone CCU 140, Zone CCU-147, and Zone CCU-130-B, requiring residents to immediately move out of the area due to an imminent threat. An emergency shelter has been established at 300 W Daphne Street in Valley Springs to welcome displaced community members and domesticated animals, alongside another location at the Valley Springs Veterans Memorial at 189 Pine Street. Additionally, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office stated that displaced livestock can be taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds located at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp. Volunteers are providing water, meals, and emotional support to those affected, and displaced community members are encouraged to bring prescription and other emergency medication, extra clothing, pillows and blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents, and supplies for children.
Emergency Response and Federal Assistance
In response to the escalating wildfire, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office declared a local state of emergency due to the requirement of a significant coordinated response from local, state, and regional partners. Personnel from Cal OES Fire and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Inland Region are working alongside partner agencies to execute evacuations and deploy critical mutual aid resources. Furthermore, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced that the state secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support local and state agencies in accessing suppression resources, strengthening containment efforts, and protecting at-risk communities.
Arrest and Investigation
Cal Fire announced that Herbert Wayne Smith has been accused of starting the Gann Fire and was arrested on charges related to recklessly causing a fire. Jail records indicate he was taken into custody at 8591 Hogan Dam Road at 7:43 p.m. on Monday, which was also his birthday. In an interview, Smith stated that he was using a saw to cut scraps to earn money for a dinner with his wife when the fire accidentally started, expressing remorse by stating, I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. That was never my intent. I was just out there trying to get some money together, and it turned into this.
Jail records and Smith confirmed that he has since posted bond.
