Man Charged in Deadly California Fire Had Past Arson Case

Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested for allegedly starting the Gann fire, which burned 10,000 acres in Calaveras County and killed at least one person. Fire officials say he used equipment that creates sparks without first clearing away dry plants, as rules require. Smith had pleaded no contest — meaning he accepted punishment without admitting guilt — to a similar 2018 offense and got probation, now expired.