Valley Springs, CA — California Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency due to the Gann Fire in Calaveras County.
It directs state agencies to support local response efforts and help protect public health and safety.
Newsom says in a statement, “We’re deeply grateful to the courageous first responders putting themselves in harm’s way to help residents evacuate, protect homes and battle these flames. I’m also thankful for the local officials, volunteers and community organizations working around the clock to establish shelters, assist neighbors and care for those in need. In moments like this, Californians show who we are: neighbors helping neighbors, communities standing together, and people stepping up without hesitation.”
The emergency proclamation authorizes the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and state agencies to provide additional assistance and resources as needed to support response and recovery efforts and mitigate impacts to surrounding communities.
The Governor’s Office adds, “Hot temperatures and low humidity have fueled elevated fire danger conditions in Calaveras County, and the fire threatens homes, structures and critical infrastructure — including transmission and distribution lines that provide power to large portions of Northern Calaveras County”
The Gann Fire is over 10,300 acres with 33% containment. It forced the evacuation of 1,473 people, with an additional 1,400 under an evacuation warning. One person died in the fire. There are over 2,700 personnel, 12 helicopters, 247 fire engines, 46 dozers, and 25 water tenders fighting the Gann Fire.
It ignited on August 3 just before 5:30 pm near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road near Valley Springs.
