Gann Fire updates: Body recovered, 7 structures destroyed and firefighter injured in Calaveras County

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As crews continue to gain control over the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, officials said Thursday that they recovered a body from a burned home.

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said the body was found along Jaquima Drive in Angels Camp. That person has not yet been identified.

Cal Fire said the Gann Fire has destroyed seven structures and left a firefighter injured as of Thursday. It started shortly before 5:30 p.m. Monday near Hogan Dam and Gann roads near New Hogan Lake.

When it first began, large columns of smoke and fast-moving flames threatened nearby residents, prompting evacuation orders. Conditions appear much calmer as of Thursday.

KCRA 3's Melanie Wingo was along a hillside near New Hogan Lake on Wednesday, showing large, active flames. At that same location Thursday morning, her vantage point was pitch-black.

Evacuations remain in effect as crews work on extinguishing any lingering flames and hotspots.

Gann Fire evacuations

Below are the areas where the mandatory evacuation orders are in place.

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An evacuation order means people need to immediately move out of the area due to an imminent threat. Under an advisory, residents should follow local recommendations or watch for further instructions.

There are also evacuation warnings for the following zones:

These are the road closures in the area:

| VIDEO BELOW | Mapping out the homes saved as of Aug. 5, 2026

Evacuation Centers

An evacuation shelter is located at Jenny Lind Memorial District at 189 Pine Street, Valley Springs, California 95252, according to the Red Cross. The organization said volunteers will provide water, meals and emotional support.

Community members displaced by the fire are encouraged to bring the following for each member of their family and small pets:

The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said all displaced livestock can be taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp. An emergency shelter is set up at 300 W Daphne Street in Valley Springs where domesticated animals are welcomed, according to the sheriff's office.

Gann Fire arrest

Herbert Wayne Smith is accused of starting the Gann Fire, according to Cal Fire. He was arrested on charges related to recklessly causing a fire.

Jail records show he was taken into custody at 8591 Hogan Dam Road at 7:43 p.m. Monday, hours after the Gann Fire ignited.

In a one-on-one interview with KCRA 3, Smith claims it was all an accident. The Monday the fire started was also his birthday. He said he wanted to earn some money for a dinner with his wife by gathering some scraps, and was using a saw to cut some scraps when the fire started.

“I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened," Smith said. "That was never my intent. I was just out there trying to get some money together, and it turned into this.”

Smith said he has since posted bond, and jail records also reflect that.

Gann Fire acreage, containment and conditions

As of 5:17 p.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire said at least 10,373 acres have been burned. This an increase from earlier in the day. Around 10:46 a.m., Cal Fire said 9,363 acres were burned. A spokesperson for the agency noted that the acreage took a sizeable jump from 7,052 acres because of a firing operation and controlled burns crews conducted to help reduce the amount of fuels that could burn.

As of 7:36 a.m. Thursday, Cal Fire said it established 26% containment around the burn area. That is up from the 19% reported Wednesday evening.

AlertCalifornia cameras show a less active scene as of 6:45 a.m. Thursday.

Cal Fire said there are more than 2,715 personnel combating the fire. Among the resources deployed were Firehawk helicopters, which have the capability of responding to wildfires at night.

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Rollover and crash during fire

There was a dozer rollover reported Monday, injuring a firefighter, who was taken to a hospital and is being medically evaluated. The condition of the firefighter is unknown.

As crews were on scene, a pickup truck crashed head-on with a fire engine blocking the road, according to footage from a KCRA 3 news crew. The crash resulted in major damage to the front of the truck.

California Highway Patrol officers moved the truck out of the way to clear the road for fire crews.

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