CALAVERAS COUNTY — Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California. The wildfire has destroyed seven structures and resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman who refused to evacuate her home.

A body was found inside a burned home in Calaveras County, California. The deceased was identified as a 70-year-old woman. The body was discovered in a residence in the 4600 block of Jaquima Drive near Angels Camp. Investigators are determining the cause and manner of death and its relationship to the fire.

Smith is suspected of recklessly causing the blaze on Monday while operating equipment capable of producing prompts without clearing flammable vegetation as required. Investigators believe the wildfire was accidentally started by prompts from a chain saw. According to KCRA-TV, Herbert Wayne Smith was arrested on August 5, 2026, after being suspected of recklessly causing the Gann Fire, which started shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, near Hogan Dam and Gann roads near New Hogan Lake.

Cal Fire TCU law enforcement officers conducted the investigation and arrest of Herbert Wayne Smith, with assistance from the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, according to uniondemocrat. The arrest was made on August 5, 2026, and the investigation was conducted following the Gann Fire's ignition on August 3, 2026, the outlet reported. Smith told KCRA-TV he was using a chain saw to cut scrap wood when it ignited.

"I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened," Smith told the news station. "This is going to destroy my life, one way or another," he said. Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges against Smith.

Cal Fire’s case against Smith has been submitted to the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution, according to uniondemocrat. The agency alleged in a news release that Herbert Wayne Smith was determined to be responsible, the outlet reported.

The wildfire scorched more than 15 square miles (39 square km) of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County. The Gann Fire had burned 10,374 acres as of Thursday afternoon with 26% containment. The blaze forced evacuation orders and warnings in the area.

Cal Fire and the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office responded to the Gann Fire, according to KCRA-TV. Cal Fire stated that the Gann Fire has destroyed seven structures and left a firefighter injured as of Thursday, the outlet reported. The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office confirmed the body of Susan Solari was found along Jaquima Drive in Angels Camp, KCRA-TV reported.

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Surprise Valley California; Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. The advisory was issued August 6 at 12:50AM PDT until August 10 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV. FEMA has issued 483 federal disaster declarations for fire incidents in California since the programme began.