Gann Fire Forces Evacuations Near New Hogan Lake, Calaveras County

When the evening sky over Calaveras County turned a bruised orange, a wildfire erupted along Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road, quickly claiming roughly 1,400 acres and sparking mandatory evacuations in several residential zones.

The blaze ignited at about 5:30 p.m. on August 4, 2026, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada near New Hogan Lake. The lake, a reservoir created by the New Hogan Dam on the Calaveras River, supplies flood protection, drinking water, electricity, and irrigation to the region. Cal Fire says the fire is moving at a moderate to dangerous rate uphill through grass and brush, prompting mandatory evacuations for zones CCU‑147, CCU‑139, CCU‑110, and CCU‑109, while residents in zone CCU‑130 remain under an advisory.

County emergency services have opened shelters for displaced residents and livestock. The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Jenny Lind Memorial District on 189 Pine Street in Valley Springs, where volunteers will provide water, meals, and emotional support. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has designated the Calaveras County Fairgrounds at 2465 Gunclub Road in Angels Camp for livestock, and an emergency animal shelter at 300 W Daphne Street in Valley Springs.

Cal Fire officials noted the fire’s rapid uphill spread, which can amplify both speed and intensity. A dozer rollover on the scene injured a firefighter who was transported by ambulance; the firefighter’s condition remains unknown. Footage from a KCRA 3 news crew captured a pickup truck colliding head‑on with a fire engine, damaging the truck’s front. California Highway Patrol officers moved the vehicle out of the way to keep the road clear for firefighting crews.

Despite the emergency, the Calaveras Unified School District has chosen to keep all schools open on their regular schedules. Officials said they will monitor conditions throughout the day and move outdoor activities indoors if necessary, citing that the fire’s immediate threat does not extend to the school grounds.

The Gann Fire is part of California’s ongoing wildfire season, which typically runs from June to October. Cal Fire’s incident reports indicate that the blaze has consumed 1,400 acres since it started, a figure that may rise as crews continue to fight the fire. The county’s emergency management agency has been coordinating with Cal Fire, the sheriff’s office, the Red Cross, and local residents to ensure safe evacuation and support for those displaced.

With a population of about 45,000 residents spread across rural communities and small towns, the evacuation orders affect areas south of the fire—including Lost City, Felix, and Carmen City—and extend eastward toward the Calaveras County Airport. Residents in the affected zones are urged to gather essential items—prescriptions, extra clothing, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents, and supplies for children and pets—before leaving.

Cal Fire’s current containment status is not yet reported; crews are working to establish control lines and protect nearby structures. The agency’s public information officer has stated that the fire’s behavior is influenced by wind, temperature, and fuel conditions.

The Gann Fire’s impact on the local economy, housing, and environmental resources remains to be seen. The county’s emergency services are prepared to respond to any further developments, and Cal Fire will continue to update the public as the situation evolves.

For residents in Calaveras County, the immediate priority is to heed evacuation orders, secure personal belongings, and seek shelter at the designated locations. The county’s emergency management team will provide ongoing updates through official channels and local media.