SAN ANDREAS, Calif. (AP) 鈥� A dead body was found inside a central California home burned by a that investigators believe was accidentally started by sparks from a chain saw, authorities said Thursday.
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the blaze that has destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles (39 square km) of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County.
Smith is suspected of 鈥渞ecklessly causing” the blaze on Monday while 鈥渙perating equipment capable of producing sparks鈥� without clearing flammable vegetation as required, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges.
An apologetic Smith told KCRA-TV that he was using a chain saw to cut some scrap wood when it ignited.
鈥淚鈥檓 so sorry for everything that鈥檚 happened,鈥� Smith told the news station. 鈥淭his is going to destroy my life, one way or another.”
Investigators will determine whether the fire contributed to the death of the person found in a burned home near the town of Angels Camp, the Calaveras County Sheriff鈥檚 Office said.
In eastern Washington state, continued to burn around the city of Spokane. Officials said Thursday that cooler temperatures and calmer winds have allowed firefighters to make progress against the blazes. No deaths have been reported, though at least 800 buildings have been destroyed.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
