Gann Fire: Victim's Tragic Decision Amidst Containment Progress

WHO:

KCRA - The victim of the Gann Fire was identified as Susan Solari, a longtime dog breeder active in the American Kennel Club.

KCRA - Herbert Wayne Smith is accused of starting the Gann Fire and was arrested on charges related to recklessly causing a fire.

WHAT:

KCRA - The Gann Fire has destroyed 18 structures and left one firefighter injured.

KCRA - As of a specified time, at least 10,374 acres have been burned, with 40% containment reported.

KCRA - More than 3,100 personnel are combating the fire.

KCRA - Evacuation orders have been reduced, allowing some residents to return home.

KCRA - Two evacuation centers have been established for those displaced by the fire.

WHERE:

KCRA - The Gann Fire started near Hogan Dam and Gann roads near New Hogan Lake in Calaveras County, California.

KCRA - The first evacuation center is located at Jenny Lind Memorial District at 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs, California 95252.

KCRA - The second shelter is at Avery Middle School on 4545 Moran Road.

KCRA - Displaced livestock can be taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp.

WHEN:

KCRA - The Gann Fire started shortly before 5:30 p.m. on a Monday.

KCRA - Herbert Wayne Smith was taken into custody at 7:43 p.m. on the same Monday the fire ignited.

KCRA - As of a specified time, Cal Fire reported 40% containment around the burn area, up from 33% reported the previous evening.

WHY:

NY Post - Susan Solari stayed through evacuation orders because she couldn't evacuate her dogs.

KCRA - Herbert Wayne Smith claims the fire was an accident while he was gathering scraps to earn money for dinner.

HOW:

KCRA - Crews intentionally burned some dry brush to prevent the Gann Fire from continuing to spread.

KCRA - The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) was given authority to provide additional resources due to the State of Emergency declared by Governor Gavin Newsom.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 19:56 UTC)

The victim of the Gann Fire has been identified as Susan Solari, a longtime dog breeder who stayed behind during evacuation orders to care for her dogs. Herbert Wayne Smith has been arrested on charges related to recklessly causing the fire, which has destroyed 18 structures and burned over 10,374 acres, with 40% containment reported as firefighting efforts continue. Evacuation orders have been reduced, allowing some residents to return home, while two evacuation centers have been set up for those displaced, including one at Jenny Lind Memorial District and another at Avery Middle School.