Body Found in California Home Burned by Wildfire Believed Started by Chain Saw

A dead body was found inside a central California home burned by a wildfire that investigators believe was accidentally started by sparks from a chain saw, authorities said last week. Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested in connection with the blaze that has destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County. Smith is suspected of “recklessly causing” the blaze on Monday while “operating equipment capable of producing sparks” without clearing flammable vegetation as required, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges. Related: Washington Arson Suspect Timed Fire for High Wind Day An apologetic Smith told KCRA-TV that he was using a chain saw to cut some scrap wood when it ignited. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened,” Smith told the news station. “This 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’s Office said. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Was this article valuable? Thank you! Please tell us what we can do to improve this article. Thank you! % of people found this article valuable. Please tell us what you liked about it. Here are more articles you may enjoy.