A 65-year-old California man has been arrested in connection with a wildfire that killed one person and scorched more than 10,000 acres in Calaveras County, authorities said Thursday.
Herbert Wayne Smith was taken into custody Wednesday evening on suspicion of recklessly causing the Gann Fire, which ignited Monday near Copperopolis. The blaze has destroyed seven structures and forced evacuations in the rural Sierra Nevada foothills. Officials reported 26% containment as of Thursday afternoon.
Investigators allege Smith was operating a chainsaw without adhering to fire prevention protocols, including failing to clear flammable vegetation around his work area. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) stated that equipment capable of producing sparks must comply with strict safety measures when used near wildlands. Smith was booked before a body was discovered in one of the burned structures, and charges remain under review.
A body was recovered from a burned home near Angels Camp, though investigators have not confirmed whether the fire directly caused the death. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with forensic teams to determine the circumstances.
Firefighting response has involved 2,715 personnel from over 20 agencies, including air tankers, as the blaze spreads across rugged terrain. The Gann Fire is located approximately 35 miles east of Stockton and entirely within Calaveras County.
Smith’s reported statement to KCRA-TV indicated remorse for the incident. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened,” he said. “This is going to destroy my life, one way or another.” Authorities have not disclosed additional details about his prior statements or motives.
Cal Fire emphasized that individuals using spark-producing equipment in wildland areas bear responsibility for preventing fire escape. The agency’s statement noted that Smith’s actions violated standard fire safety protocols, which require maintaining clearances and firefighting tools on-site.
The investigation remains ongoing, with prosecutors set to determine whether to file criminal charges. No timeline for additional updates has been provided.