Valley Springs man arrested after sparking Gann Fire while seeking funds for a birthday dinner
TL;DR
65-year-old Herbert Wayne Smith was arrested on suspicion of recklessly starting the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, saying it was unintentional as he tried to earn money for a birthday dinner. The blaze grew to more than 10,000 acres, destroyed several structures and forced evacuations, with investigators referring the case to the district attorney for review. Smith had a prior 2019 misdemeanor related to burning lands.
- Man arrested in Gann fire says he was trying to make money for a birthday dinner Los Angeles Times
- One Dead in California Fire Started by Man Who Said He Lit It by Accident The New York Times
- Longtime dog breeder ID'd as first Calif. wildfire death this year SFGATE
- Gann Fire updates: Body recovered, State of Emergency declared, firefighter injured in Calaveras County KCRA
- Gann Fire destroys homes with one death confirmed. Sacramento’s top stories today Sacramento Bee
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