Governor Newsom proclaims State of Emergency in Calaveras County for the Gann Fire response

California’s emergency response system is being mobilized for Calaveras County

What you need to know: The proclamation enables the state to further support local response efforts, protect public health, and coordinate resources as firefighters continue working to contain the incident. 

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a State of Emergency for Calaveras County in response to the Gann fire, directing state agencies to support local response efforts and help protect public health and safety.

The emergency proclamation authorizes the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and state agencies to provide additional assistance and resources as needed to support response and recovery efforts and mitigate impacts to surrounding communities.

Hot temperatures and low humidity have fueled elevated fire danger conditions in Calaveras County, and the fire threatens homes, structures and critical infrastructure — including transmission and distribution lines that provide power to large portions of Northern Calaveras County.

“We’re deeply grateful to the courageous first responders putting themselves in harm’s way to help residents evacuate, protect homes and battle these flames. I’m also thankful for the local officials, volunteers and community organizations working around the clock to establish shelters, assist neighbors and care for those in need. In moments like this, Californians show who we are: neighbors helping neighbors, communities standing together, and people stepping up without hesitation.” 

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Gann Fire ignited on August 3, 2026, just before 5:30 P.M. near Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road near Valley Springs in Calaveras County. More than 10,300 acres have burned, threatening communities throughout Calaveras County and forcing the evacuation of 1,473 residents, with an additional 1,400 under evacuation warnings, and resulting in one fatality. Currently, there are over 2,700 personnel, 12 helicopters, 247 fire engines, 46 dozers, and 25 water tenders fighting the Gann Fire. 

The State of Emergency proclamation directs state agencies to coordinate closely with local partners, provide emergency management support, suspend public contracting rules for emergency response resources, and help expedite access to resources necessary to support response and recovery operations.

Governor Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the Gann Fire and protect life and property in Calaveras County. 

Residents are urged to listen to local officials for the latest evacuation information. If asked to evacuate, don’t wait. For details about evacuations, visit oes.calaverasgov.us and sign up for local emergency alerts at ready.ca.gov. Shelter information for those affected by the Gann Fire can be found here. 

The text of the Governor’s emergency proclamation can be found here.

Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert on Price Gouging Following State of Emergency Declaration in Calaveras County

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert following Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency in Calaveras County in response to the Gann Fire. The Gann Fire has burned more than 10,300 acres, threatening communities throughout Calaveras County and forcing the evacuation of thousands. Hot temperatures and low humidity have fueled elevated fire danger conditions in Calaveras County, and the fire threatens homes, structures, and critical infrastructure — including transmission and distribution lines that provide power to large portions of Northern Calaveras County. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please visit the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Price Gouging webpage. 

The Governor has issued a state of emergency for Calaveras County because of the Gann fire. He does not exempt PC 396. 

Calaveras is a rural County with only one incorporated city (Angels Camp), but I would assume there are storage facilities located in the county. In fact, a quick search shows about 12-13 of them in the county. 

Other unincorporated cities include: 

• Arnold
• Avery
• Copperopolis
• Dorrington
• Mokelumne Hill
• Murphys
• San Andreas 
• Valley Springs
• Vallecito
• West Point
• Tamarack 

“As high temperatures increase the intensity of the Gann Fire, I urge Californians to listen to officials and keep safe. California’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If you see price gouging, I encourage you to immediately file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. Stay safe, California.” 

California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller's cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. Violations of the price gouging statute are misdemeanors. The Attorney General and local district attorneys and city prosecutors can enforce the statute.

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You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-issues-consumer-alert-price-gouging-following-state-17