health
At least one person dead in California wildfire allegedly sparked by chainsaw
Police arrested Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, in connection with the Gann fire, which has burned more than 15 sq miles in Calaveras county
TL;DR
- A wildfire in California's Sierra Nevada foothills has caused at least one death.
- The Gann fire has destroyed seven buildings and scorched over 15 square miles in Calaveras County.
- Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested and is accused of sparking the blaze with a chainsaw.
- Smith stated he was using machinery to earn money for a birthday meal and expressed regret.
- He has a prior record, having been charged with igniting another fire in 2018.
- The victim, identified as Susan Solari, reportedly refused to leave her dogs during the fire.
- The Gann fire is about 40% contained as of Friday morning.
- Other major fires are burning in Washington state, with one suspect accused of intentionally studying how to maximize destruction.