Over 1,400 Evacuated After Gann Fire, Return Brings Relief and Concern

More than 1,400 people were forced to evacuate their homes due to the Gann Fire, which ignited less than a week ago in Calaveras County, California.

Families Return to Assess Damage

On Saturday, many residents were finally permitted to return to their properties to survey the damage and determine what remained. For one family on Jaquima Drive, a particularly hard-hit area, the first glimpse of their property brought a sense of relief. ‘It looks like somebody put a glass bowl over our house and everything just exploded,’ one family member described the scene.

Close Call, Lingering Concerns

The flames came within feet of the family’s front door, yet their home and other structures survived. ‘As a family, [we’re] just soaking it in,’ the family member said. They had previously been informed by CBS News Sacramento that their home had been spared. However, they expressed concern about potential hazards After the fire, particularly regarding the terrain and the risk of mudslides with upcoming winter rains.

22 Structures Damaged or Destroyed

As of Saturday, 22 structures had been confirmed damaged or destroyed. The family acknowledged the sadness of losing neighbors, including one who passed away, and others who lost their homes. ‘We already came in with a heavy heart because our neighbor passed, our neighbors lost their homes and some didn't,’ they stated. ‘We did have some things that were burned or were lost, but nothing compared to the worst outcome out of this fire.’

Ongoing Safety Precautions

Law enforcement will remain stationed at community entrances through at least Tuesday. Cal Fire is urging residents to be aware of hazards such as broken glass, damaged materials, and smoldering trees as cleanup efforts continue.