Calaveras County Gann Fire Forces School Closures and Evacuations
The Gann Fire in Calaveras County has burned over 7,000 acres, prompting a local state of emergency, school closures, and evacuations across multiple zones.
A wildfire known as the Gann Fire, which ignited shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Monday near Hogan Dam and Gann Road by New Hogan Lake, has expanded to more than 7,000 acres. Cal Fire reported that the blaze burned 7,052 acres as of early Wednesday, up from 6,495 acres the previous evening, and has destroyed at least two homes.
The Calaveras County sheriff declared a local state of emergency on Tuesday, enabling the county to request additional state assistance. Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that federal funding has been secured to support response efforts.
All schools in the Calaveras Unified School District were closed on Wednesday due to deteriorating air quality, and the city of Jackson shut its public pool on Tuesday for the same reason. Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones CCU-147, CCU-139, CCU-110, CCU-109 and, as of Tuesday, CCU-130-B. Residents under evacuation orders must leave the area immediately, while those under advisories should follow local guidance.
The Red Cross operates an evacuation shelter at Jenny Lind Memorial District in Valley Springs, providing water, meals and emotional support. The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office directs displaced livestock to the county fairgrounds in Angels Camp and offers an animal shelter at 300 W Daphne Street in Valley Springs.
Firefighting resources include about 1,500 personnel, Firehawk helicopters for night operations, and a 10% containment line established around the burn area as of early Wednesday. A dozer rollover on Monday injured a firefighter, and a pickup truck collided head-on with a fire engine, temporarily blocking access for crews.
Cal Fire continues to monitor the fire’s progress, aiming to prevent it from reaching residential areas on the opposite side of the mountain.