Gann Fire in Calaveras County Expands to Over 9,000 Acres, Evacuations and School Closures Enforced

The Gann Fire, sparked on the evening of Monday, August 3, 2026 near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road southeast of Angels Camp, has surged to 9,363 acres and remains only 10 % contained, Cal Fire reports say.

A blaze of that scale has forced 1,473 residents to evacuate and placed another 1,400 people under evacuation warnings, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced in a press release.

More than 1,500 firefighters, supported by helicopters, engines and bulldozers, are battling the fire, Cal Fire spokesperson Ricardo Coronado told reporters. The terrain—steep, rugged, surrounded by brush and woodlands—makes containment difficult. Coronado emphasized the importance of aerial resources and said that additional help from across the state is expected as the fire pushes northeast toward Valley Springs and Copperopolis.

The county has opened emergency shelters for evacuees. The Valley Springs Veterans Memorial now houses displaced residents and accepts small animals, while the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gun Club Road in Angels Camp serves as an animal shelter for livestock.

In the wake of the smoke, the Calaveras Unified School District shut down all schools on Wednesday. Superintendent Kassie Meeks posted on the district’s Facebook page that the decision was based on current air‑quality conditions, the ongoing impact of wildfire smoke, and the potential for rapid changes as winds shift.

Gov. Newsom also announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA. The grant allows local, state and tribal agencies to apply for a 75 % reimbursement of fire‑suppression costs—including field camps, tools, equipment use and other supplies. According to the California Office of Emergency Services, this is the state’s third grant in 2026.

Coronado reported no injuries and said a team has been ordered to assess potential building damage. He urged residents to stay informed through the Calaveras County Sheriff’s social‑media accounts.

The Gann Fire ranks as the second‑largest active wildfire in California, according to the latest National Interagency Fire Center report. The blaze’s rapid growth prompted the county to declare a local emergency.

Cal Fire’s incident command has been coordinating with state and federal agencies to monitor the fire’s spread. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) oversees fire protection across the state’s 31 million acres of public land.

The fire’s impact on the local economy, housing and transportation is still unfolding. County emergency services are working to keep road closures and protect critical infrastructure, while the emergency operations center coordinates with neighboring jurisdictions on evacuation and sheltering.

Smoke from the blaze has degraded air quality in nearby communities, including Valley Springs and Copperopolis. Residents there have been advised to monitor air‑quality reports and limit outdoor activities.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire remains largely uncontrolled, with containment efforts ongoing. Cal Fire officials continue to deploy aerial and ground resources to slow the blaze and protect structures.

The state’s use of the FEMA grant reflects a broader strategy to leverage federal assistance during California’s frequent wildfire season. The grant program has supported firefighting efforts across the state in previous years.

The Gann Fire remains a significant threat to Calaveras County residents. County, state and federal agencies are coordinating to contain the blaze, protect lives and property, and provide shelter and support for evacuees.

The situation is evolving, and updates will be provided by Cal Fire, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and the Governor’s office as new information becomes available.