Northern California Gann Fire in Calaveras County tops 7,000 acres with no containment
The Gann Fire grew to more than 7,000 acres overnight as evacuation orders remained in place near New Hogan Lake in Northern California's Calaveras County.
Cal Fire listed the wildfire at 7,052 acres with no containment as of early Wednesday morning.
Fire activity decreased Tuesday evening, officials said. Night-flying helicopters supported firefighters overnight after crews conducted a firing operation along the western edge of the blaze.
The fire started Monday evening near Hogan Dam and Gann roads on the southeastern side of New Hogan Lake.
Cal Fire said hot temperatures, steep terrain, dry vegetation and light winds have contributed to its spread. More than 250 personnel, four helicopters, 50 engines and 16 bulldozers have been assigned to the fire.
No injuries or damaged structures had been reported as of Tuesday evening.
Smoke from the wildfire also drifted into neighboring Amador County, prompting officials there to warn of potentially poor air quality.
Mandatory evacuations ordered east of Hogan Lake
Calaveras County officials have issued evacuation orders for zones CCU-109, CCU-110, CCU-130-B, CCU-139, CCU-140 and CCU-147 on the east side of New Hogan Lake.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones CCU-111, CCU-131, CCU-148 and CCU-153. People who need additional time to leave, along with those who have pets or livestock, are being urged to evacuate now.
The affected area stretches from the northeastern side of the lake to west of San Andreas, reaching as far east as the Calaveras County Airport and just west of Angels Camp, and as far south as Salt Spring Valley Reservoir.
View a live evacuation map for the Gann Fire here.
An evacuation shelter is open at the Valley Springs Veterans Memorial, located at 189 Pine Street. Small pets are accepted.
A large-animal shelter is available at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp.
State of emergency declared in Calaveras County
The Calaveras County Sheriff's Office declared a local state of emergency late Tuesday afternoon in response to the Gann Fire due to the requirement of "a significant coordinated response from local, state, and regional partners."
The sheriff's office said its Office of Emergency Services is coordinating the emergency declaration along with Cal Fire, county administration officials, local fire agencies and other emergency personnel. The order allows the county to request additional assistance from state and federal officials, if necessary.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office announced Tuesday night that the governor had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help suppress the fire.
"California is fully mobilized alongside our local and state partners to meet the challenges posed by the Gann Fire," Newsom said in a statement released along with the announcement. "By securing this assistance, we are strengthening our ability to deploy critical firefighting resources, accelerate containment efforts, protect lives and property, and support communities facing ongoing evacuations."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
