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Susan Solari, 70, was identified as the longtime owner of Hinterland German Shepherds, a breeding operation that had been based on the property for decades
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The woman refused to evacuate a residence on the 4600 block of Jaquima Drive in the Town of Angels Camp
on Tuesday
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Joan Wilson, a neighbor and friend of Solari, tried to convince Solari to evacuate as conditions worsened. “She was screaming and yelling, ‘No, I wasn’t going to evacuate,'” Wilson said
– The fire and her refusal to evacuate were motivated by her dogs
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For decades, Solari raised and showed German shepherds at Hinterland German Shepherds. Wilson described Solari as independent, determined and deeply committed to her animals. “She was a great show dog lady. She was headstrong. She was a strong woman,” Wilson said
Susan Solari, 70, a longtime German shepherd breeder, made a heartbreaking decision to stay behind with the dogs she loved when the Gann Fire swept through.
The woman refused to evacuate her residence on the 4600 block of Jaquima Drive in the Town of Angels Camp on Tuesday.
She died that night and her body was recovered Wednesday.
Friends identified the woman as Susan Solari, the longtime owner of Hinterland German Shepherds, a breeding operation that had been based on the property for decades.
Joan Wilson, a neighbor and friend of Solari, said the two had spoken shortly before the fire reached the property. Wilson said she tried to convince Solari to evacuate as conditions worsened.
“She was screaming and yelling, ‘No, I wasn’t going to evacuate,'” Wilson said.
Wilson described what had drawn Solari’s life’s work to the property.
For decades, Solari raised and showed German shepherds at Hinterland German Shepherds, according to the kennel’s former website.
“She was a great show dog lady. She was headstrong. She was a strong woman,” Wilson said.
Wilson emphasized her own shock and guilt over the outcome.
“I wish she would’ve listened to me. I wish I could’ve grabbed her. ‘Come on, you’re coming with me,'” Wilson said.
Wilson said she evacuated safely with her own family and animals, but the loss of her friend has been difficult to process.
Solari had dedicated decades to her kennel operation.
The business website showed her passion extended back generations, with detailed records of lineage and breeding history dating to the 1980s and 1990s.
The loss came after Solari made the heartbreaking decision to stay behind with the dogs she loved.
The Gann Fire has burned more than 10,000 acres in Calaveras County and destroyed over a dozen structures.
Cal Fire’s response to the tragedy reflected broader safety concerns.
“The community around here lives with fire,” said Cal Fire spokesperson Chris Vestal. “They know there’s a likelihood they have to evacuate, and when they get an evacuation order, they’re going to leave.”
In the viral moment that prompted this story, the fire started Monday evening near Hogan Dam and Gann roads on the southeastern side of New Hogan Lake.
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested in connection with the fire on Monday. He was allegedly using spark-producing equipment while in vegetation, disregarding California fire prevention requirements.
Records from the jail show he bonded out on Tuesday night, according to reporting from CBS Sacramento.
The fire grew rapidly, driven by hot temperatures, steep terrain and dry vegetation, forcing evacuations across the county.
Fire officials continue to urge residents to follow evacuation orders and warnings as the response continues.