At least one person has died in a wildfire in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, which officials believe was sparked by a man using a chainsaw. Police have arrested Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, in connection with the Gann fire.
The blaze has destroyed seven buildings and scorched more than 15 square miles in Calaveras county. A well-known dog breeder in Angels Camp was killed in the fire.
Officials allege that Mr Smith is responsible for "recklessly causing" the fire on Monday. He reportedly told KCRA that he did not intend to start the fire, stating he was using machinery to cut scraps to earn money for a celebratory meal.
Mr Smith was previously charged in 2018 with igniting another fire, according to KCRA. He pleaded no contest and received 36 months' probation.
As of Friday morning, the Gann fire had burned over 10,000 acres and was approximately 40% contained. Investigators will determine if the fire contributed to the death of the person found in a burned home near Angels Camp, the Calaveras county sheriff’s office said.