Man accused of starting Gann Fire previously sentenced for causing 2018 fire

CALAVERAS COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - The Gann Fire continues to burn in Calaveras County, California, and new details are coming out about the man accused of starting the fire.

Court documents showed 65-year-old Herbert Wayne Smith was previously charged in a fire-related case back in 2018.

In regards to the Gann Fire, the complaint said Smith willfully and unlawfully set fire to forest or brush land, adding Smith used a gasoline powered portable tool without clearance.

Court records showed he plead no contest to burning lands of another and was sentenced to 36 months of probation.

NBC affiliate KCRA interviewed Smith Wednesday, a few days after he was arrested for the Gann Fire.

He said was using machinery at his son's ranch to cut up scrap.

KCRA reporter Denzen Cortez asked Smith if this was the first time anything like this had happened before, and he said, "No, no...I mean, I've fought fire for three years...when I was in a fire camp, you know what I mean? So, I know the ins and outs of fire."

The Gann Fire has grown to over 10,000 acres and has damaged several structures, but it is 40% contained, as of Friday. It has also claimed the life of one person.

To keep up-to-date on the fire, click here.