Angels Camp, CA – The body of an Angels Camp woman has been found in the Gann Fire.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reports first responders discovered the 70-year-old deceased woman inside a burned home in the 4600 block of Jaquima Drive in Angels Camp. Her identity is not being released pending identification and notification of next of kin. Sheriff’s officials advised that they are leading the death investigation while CAL FIRE Law Enforcement continues to lead the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.
This came on the heels of the arrest of Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, on Monday, August 3, near the origins of the Gann Fire, which started southeast of New Hogan Lake. Later in the day, CAL FIRE confirmed that investigators had determined Smith was responsible for recklessly causing the fire by operating equipment that produced sparks near vegetation without following required fire prevention measures. He was booked into Calaveras County Jail on charges of felony causing a fire of a structure/forest land and two misdemeanors for operating machinery without clearance and allowing fire to escape/spread. Smith has been released on bond.
Currently, investigators from both agencies are “attempting to ascertain the reason and manner of death, as well as the link between the death and the fire,” according to sheriff’s officials. They noted that because both the fire and death investigations are ongoing, the Sheriff’s Office is unable to provide any more investigative details at this time.
“The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to respect the privacy of the decedent and their family during this difficult time. We understand the community’s desire for answers and ask for patience as investigators work diligently to determine the facts surrounding this incident. The Sheriff’s Office also asks the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators the opportunity to complete their work,” shared sheriff’s officials.
Anyone with information related to this incident should contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (209) 754-6500.
