Sparks of Recklessness: The California Wildfire That Should Have Been Prevented The latest wildfire to ravage California's Sierra Nevada mountain range has claimed its first victim.
Herbert Wayne Smith, a 65 year old man from Calaveras county, is being held responsible for allegedly using a chainsaw to start the Gann fire, which has destroyed seven buildings and scorched over 15 square miles.
Smith had been cutting scraps in his backyard on what would turn out to be a fateful birthday celebration with his wife. He claimed he didn't mean to spark the fire, but his excuse is flimsy.