Overview
- The blaze ignited near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road just before 5:30 p.m. on Monday and grew rapidly uphill through dry grass and brush, producing explosive spread that has challenged crews.
- Cal Fire reported roughly 7,052 acres burned with 10% containment as of early Wednesday, and evacuation orders affect about 1,473 residents with roughly 1,400 more under warnings.
- About 1,500 personnel plus helicopters, 50 engines, 16 bulldozers and air tankers have been assigned to build containment lines and conduct planned firing operations to stop the fire’s advance.
- At least two homes have been observed burned, all Calaveras Unified School District campuses closed for smoke and safety, and shelters for people and animals are operating in Valley Springs and Angels Camp.
- Investigators are examining the cause while jail logs show Herbert Wayne Smith was arrested near the ignition site hours after the fire started; officials have not publicly confirmed a link between the arrest and the cause.