Chris Cobb Checks Homes After 10,374-Acre Gann Fire Destroys Neighbors' Property

Q: After saving his home from 60-foot flames, why is Chris Cobb now delivering heartbreaking news to neighbors kept out by the Gann Fire?

Chris Cobb is delivering heartbreaking news because many of his neighbors still cannot get back into evacuation zones, and he is among the few people able to check properties in person and tell residents whether their homes survived. After staying behind to defend his own house from flames he said were about 60 feet high, Cobb began helping others who remained under evacuation orders or had not yet been cleared to return. Even though his home was saved with help from volunteer firefighters, he suffered major losses himself, including a 42-foot fifth-wheel trailer, a horse trailer, several outbuildings and a pontoon boat from his late father. Since the fire, Cobb has been checking neighbors’ homes, caring for animals and keeping generators running for people who are still away. In some cases, that has meant confirming devastating damage, including telling at least one neighbor that his house burned down. His explanation was simple: “I’m here. They can’t be here. So I might as well help as much as I can.” The need for that help reflects the fire’s wider toll. The Gann Fire has burned 10,374 acres, destroyed 22 structures, caused one confirmed civilian death and left some areas under evacuation restrictions even as containment improved. Officials are urging returning residents to document losses and use caution because burned properties may still contain dangerous hazards such as unstable structures, hot spots and downed power lines.

3 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Aug 8

Calaveras County resident Chris Cobb is checking homes, caring for animals and keeping generators running for neighbors still barred from returning after the Gann Fire.
Cobb stayed as flames he estimated at 60 feet approached his property, using a hose until volunteer firefighters helped save his house.
He still lost a 42-foot fifth-wheel trailer, a horse trailer, several structures and a pontoon boat, and has had to tell at least one neighbor that a home was destroyed.
The fire had burned about 10,374 acres and was 47% contained by Friday evening, with more than 1,600 state and local personnel assigned.
Several evacuation zones reopened Friday while four remained under full orders, and county officials asked returning residents to document structure, road, agricultural and livestock damage.