Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, who formerly served as an inmate firefighter in California's Conservation Camp Program, has admitted to starting the Gann Fire. The blaze burned thousands of acres and killed local dog breeder Susan Solari, who reportedly stayed with her dogs as the flames approached. Authorities say Smith was cutting metal scraps and failed to clear flammable vegetation or have firefighting tools on hand; he was booked on fire-related counts but no formal charges have yet been filed. Investigations are ongoing and local prosecutors say charging decisions will follow the facts and the law.
Former Inmate Firefighter Admits Starting Deadly Gann Fire That Killed Local Dog Breeder
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, who once served as an inmate firefighter in California's Conservation Camp Program, has admitted to igniting the Gann Fire in Northern California, authorities and local media report.
Twisted irony of firebug who sparked deadly California wildfire. KCRA
Background
Flames consumed a home as the Gann Fire burns neared Copperopolis on Tuesday. AP
Smith worked as an inmate firefighter more than two decades ago at facilities in Soledad and later Georgetown before he was released on parole. At that time he was in custody on charges of receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance. California's corrections agency says inmate firefighters 'support state, local and federal government agencies as they respond to all types of emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural or manmade disasters.' Participants typically hold a 'minimum custody' classification and generally must have eight years or less remaining on their sentence to qualify.
Susan Solari and her dogs. Facebook/Susan Solari
The Incident
A firefighter hoses down hotspots at the Gann Fire near Angels Camp in Calaveras County on Wednesday. REUTERS
The Gann Fire has scorched thousands of acres near Copperopolis and Angels Camp. Local reporting and authorities identified a civilian fatality: Susan Solari, owner of Hinterland German Shepherds. Friends say Solari refused to abandon her dogs as the flames approached. Photos from the scene show homes and hillsides burning and firefighters working to hose down hotspots.
The Gann Fire burns along a hillside near Copperopolis on Wednesday. AP
Admissions and Allegations
Embers spew from a tree that burned during the Gann Fire near Angels Camp in Calaveras County. REUTERS
Smith told reporters he had been cutting metal scraps with a saw he planned to sell to raise money for his wife's birthday when the blaze started. He expressed remorse, saying, 'This is going to destroy my life, one way or another,' and that the outcome was never his intent. Authorities say he operated equipment capable of producing sparks without clearing flammable vegetation and without adequate firefighting tools nearby. Smith was booked on counts including recklessly causing a fire, operating spark-producing equipment in vegetative areas without required precautions, and allowing a fire to escape control. As of the latest reports, no formal charges have been filed.
Past Incidents and Official Response
Records indicate Smith was linked to a separate fire-related incident about eight years ago when he was accused of starting a blaze on someone else's property. The Calaveras County District Attorney's Office said it is 'unwavering in its duty to base all charging decisions on the facts and the law, and is firmly committed to fairness in the pursuit of justice.' Investigators continue to gather evidence to determine the precise chain of events.
Impact
The Gann Fire has prompted firefighting responses across local, state, and federal agencies and devastated parts of the community. Officials continue containment and recovery efforts while families and neighbors mourn the loss of Susan Solari and other damages caused by the blaze.
Note: This report compiles details from local media coverage and statements by law enforcement; some legal processes remain pending.
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