ENVIRONMENT

Man Arrested for Starting California's Second-Largest Wildfire Says It Was an Accident

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A man arrested on suspicion of starting the massive Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California, told authorities the wildfire began accidentally while he was collecting scrap metal to earn extra money for his wife. Herbert Wayne Smith said he was using a Sawzall when the fire started. “I was using the Sawzall and uh I then cut, got cutting the piece off and I turned around and all of a sudden I just, I noticed the fire was behind me and there was nothing I could, I mean, I chased it for for as long as I could. And uh, they were just getting away,” Smith said. The Gann Fire is now the second-largest wildfire in California. The blaze has burned more than 10,000 acres, and containment increased to 19%. The fire has destroyed at least seven structures, including homes. Fire victim CJ Poloka said the wildfire destroyed nearly everything he owned. “I lost my house. I lost all my belongings. What I'm wearing and a laptop and my camera is what I took out, and my animals. Just purchased this recently, paid cash; we did not have fire insurance. We had some family pitch in, and we are all cash on this. We had the house, all our belongings,” Poloka said. Another family who had been renting their home said the only thing that survived the fire was their truck. The Gann Fire continues to burn in Calaveras County as crews work to increase containment and assess damage. Cal Fire reported the fire started near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road near Valley Springs around 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Authorities accused Smith of operating the tool without clearing flammable vegetation and failing to have firefighting tools on hand. A person was found dead inside a burned home as the fire continued to tear through western Calaveras County. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced it had found a deceased individual along the path of the Gann Fire.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On August 3, 2026, at 5:27 p.m., the Gann Fire ignited near Hogan Dam Road.
· On August 3, 2026, Cal Fire arrested Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, that same day.
· On August 4, 2026, the fire grew to over 3,000 acres with zero containment.
· On August 5, 2026, Governor Newsom secured a FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant.
· On August 5, 2026, the fire reached 7,052 acres with 10% containment.
· On August 5, 2026, Calaveras County schools closed due to poor air quality.
· On August 6, 2026, Cal Fire found a deceased individual in a burned home.
· On August 6, 2026, containment reached 26% with 2,715 personnel assigned.
· On August 6, 2026, the fire destroyed seven structures and injured one firefighter.
· On August 6, 2026, the fire held at 10,374 acres with no significant grow
· On August 7, 2026, the Gann Fire remains the second-largest wildfire in California.
· On August 7, 2026, crews continue strengthening containment lines around the fire perimeter.
· On August 7, 2026, evacuation orders remain in effect for several Calaveras County zones.
· On August 7, 2026, the Calaveras County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case.
· On August 7, 2026, Smith remains out on bond after his Tuesday night release.
· On August 7, 2026, damage assessment teams are still evaluating structural losses.
· On August 7, 2026, the identity of the deceased individual has not been released.
· On August 7, 2026, temperatures near the fire are expected to reach 100 degrees.
· On August 7, 2026, afternoon wind gusts could reach 20 mph, complicating firefighting.
· On August 7, 2026, officials warn that any ignition could outpace suppression efforts.
· Crews will spend several more days strengthening containment lines.
· The District Attorney will decide whether to file formal charges.
· Triple-digit temperatures and dry fuels will persist through the weekend.
· Evacuation orders may be lifted as containment increases further.
· The death investigation will determine if the fire caused the fatality.
· Fire behavior analysts warn of potential for rapid fire spread.
· Additional structures may be confirmed destroyed as assessments continue.
· Federal and state resources will remain deployed until the fire is contained.
· Air quality concerns may continue to affect local schools and residents.
· The fire's final size will depend on weather and suppression success.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Second-largest California wildfire with one confirmed death and arrests.
Possible long-term US impact: Raises questions about fire prevention laws and equipment regulations.
Most affected groups: Calaveras County residents, evacuees, homeowners without insurance, and firefighters.
What readers should prioritise: Verify official Cal Fire updates and local evacuation orders regularly.