San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to support the ongoing response to the fire that began on August 3rd, 2026, in the area of Hogan Dam Road and Gann Road, south of New Hogan Lake.

CAL FIRE Law Enforcement remains the lead agency responsible for determining the origin and cause of the fire. As previously announced, an individual was arrested on charges related to causing the fire. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

During the ongoing response and investigation into the incident, personnel located a deceased individual inside a burned residence in the 4600 block of Jaquima Drive near the city of Angels Camp. Formal identification of the deceased person remains pending.

At this time, the decedent’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is leading the death investigation and is working in close coordination with the Calaveras County Coroner’s Office, the Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement, and other investigative partners. CAL FIRE Law Enforcement continues to lead the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Both investigations remain active and are being conducted in collaboration with the involved partner agencies.

At this stage of the investigation, investigators from both agencies are working to determine the cause and manner of death and the relationship between the death and the fire. Investigators will continue to evaluate all available evidence as the investigation progresses. Because both the fire investigation and the death investigation remain active, the Sheriff’s Office is unable to discuss additional investigative details at this time.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the significant public interest surrounding this incident and remains committed to providing timely and accurate information as it becomes available and can be released without
compromising the ongoing investigations.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to respect the privacy of the decedent and their family during this difficult time. We understand the community’s desire for answers and ask for patience as investigators work diligently to determine the facts surrounding this incident. The Sheriff’s Office also asks the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators the opportunity to complete their work.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (209) 754-6500.

Additional information will be released as appropriate.