# Calaveras County Gann Fire 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/calaveras-county-gann-fire-2026 > Updated: 2026-08-07T20:53:25.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2. The Gann Fire ignited on August 4, 2026 near Hogan Dam Road in Calaveras County, California, after 65‑year‑old Herbert Wayne Smith was operating a chain‑saw that produced sparks in dry vegetation. Authorities arrested Smith on suspicion of recklessly causing the blaze. The wildfire quickly spread, scorching more than 10,000 acres, destroying seven structures, injuring a firefighter and prompting the evacuation of roughly 1,400 residents, with another 1,400 under evacuation warnings. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and FEMA authorized federal assistance. A 70‑year‑old woman was later found dead in a burned home, potentially the first wildfire‑related fatality in California that year. By the following day, containment had risen to about 40 % as crews built control lines and conducted firing operations. The fire, also reported as “Gan,” continued to threaten the Sierra Nevada foothills. Investigators confirmed the death of Susan Solari, a local dog breeder, as a direct result of the fire. The incident occurred amid an especially severe fire season across the western United States. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: California Wildfire Claims One Life, Suspect Arrested A California wildfire named Gan burned 4,000 ha, killed dog breeder Susan Solari, and led to the arrest of 65‑year‑old arson suspect Herbert Wayne Smith. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-wildfire-claims-one-life-suspect-arrested ### 2026-08-06: Gann Fire in Calaveras County Burns Over 10,000 Acres The Gann Fire, started by a chain‑saw operated by Herbert Wayne Smith, burned over 10,000 acres in Calaveras County, destroyed seven structures, injured a firefighter, forced 1,400 evacuations, and left a 70‑yr 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gann-fire-in-calaveras-county-expands-to-over-10000-acres-containment-at-19 --- Cite as: Calaveras County Gann Fire 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/calaveras-county-gann-fire-2026