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California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
San Andreas - The Darby Fire, which started ½ mile east of the Stanislaus powerhouse 100' from the river's edge, has now consumed approximately 1,850 acres and now 40% contained, primarily on the western and north western fire line. While great progress was made today on the containment line, CDF officials remain cautious. "Based the way the fire developed today and the potential threat to densely populated areas," said Incident Commander Tim Sappok "an order for additional resources was placed based on the worst case scenario well in advance of an actual need. The order was placed through both CDF and mutual aid channels for 50 additional engine strike teams (250 engines and 50 team leaders). The system distributed the request throughout the State. "If we waited until there was an actual need to call for the resources, the impact would deplete resources within the surrounding areas, leaving those areas unprotected. We are fortunate to have the advance time to draw upon the resources spread throughout the State without impacting any single area." Strike teams began arriving tonight from the closer proximities, while those coming from further distances such as southern California are anticipated to arrive by tomorrow night. These additional resources will stage at the County Fairgrounds and be deployed to areas as needed. The Sheriff's Department has issued mandatory evacuations of approximately 397 homes in the Sunrise Point and Canyon View Subdivisions up to and including the south side of Highway 4 through Avery, the Indian Hills Subdivision and the Forest Meadows Subdivision on Sandalwood, Vine Maple Drive, Oak Wood Drive, Laurel Ridge Court, Laura Lane, Laurel Court, and Heather Drive. People who live in the immediate surrounding area should be prepared to evacuate. There is an evacuation center at the Albert Michelson Elementary School off Highway 4 on Pennsylvania Gulch Road in Murphys. The American Red Cross is staffing this facility and the Salvation Army will be preparing and providing meals. If you are trying to find friends or relatives at the center, call the school's main line at 728-3441 or the local Red Cross at 533-1513. If you need assistance with animal transport, call Animal Control at 754-6509. For information regarding the road restrictions, call the CHP San Andreas Office from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at 754-3541 and at their Stockton Dispatch center after 5:00 PM at 943-8600. Calaveras County Office of Emergency
Services and CDF will continue to monitor the situation and provide
updated information, as it becomes available. Local residents
are encouraged to monitor their local news sources for any change
in conditions. A CDF Fire Information Center is open and can
be called at 754-2739, 754-4692, and 754-5773.
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