Gann Fire grows to 3,700 acres as fast-moving flames force evacuations to expand

A massive, fast-moving wildfire in northern California has scorched thousands of acres prompting evacuation orders and warnings in Calaveras County.

CAL Fire said crews are currently battling the Gann Fire near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road in Valley Springs, which started Monday evening near Hogan Lake.

The fire measured just 30 acres when crews first assessed it Monday evening but it had grown to roughly 3,000 acres by Tuesday morning.

The fire remains at zero percent containment.

“Firefighters are faced with hot temperatures and steep terrain,” the agency said in an update Tuesday about the blaze being battled on the ground and from the skies above.

The fire has led to both evacuation orders and warnings in the area, with homes and property threatened by the growing blaze.

Officials said it is currently burning “Northeast of Copperopolis and West of Pool Station Road. Fuel, topography and light winds are contributing to the fire’s spread.”

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department has declared a local state of emergency.
“Due to the ongoing impacts of the Gann Fire, Calaveras County Sheriff Rachelle Whiting has proclaimed a local state of emergency for Calaveras County,” an announcement on social media read.

“The Gann Fire, which originated near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road south of New Hogan Lake, has grown to an estimated 3,759 acres as of 3:30 P.M. on August 4, 2026, requiring a significant coordinated response from local, state, and regional partners,” the department said.

On Monday night, helicopters with night flying capabilities were brought in to help crews slow the fire with a “dangerous rate of spread,” per officials. 

“Night flying helicopters will continue supporting firefighters throughout the night, working alongside ground crews to slow the fire’s spread and strengthen containment,” the agency said.

Evacuation orders and warnings continued to be updated throughout the day on Tuesday, with orders to leave the area immediately those living in CCU-109, CCU-110, CCU-130-B, CCU-139, CCU-140, and CCU-147.

Warnings issued to the following areas: CCU-111, CCU-131, CCU-148, CCU-153

Evacuation shelters have been set up for residents at the Valley Springs Veterans Memorial. And the Calaveras County Fairgrounds has been set up as a place people can bring their pets.

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