CDF NEWS RELEASE
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
 

 TUOLUMNE-CALAVERAS UNIT
CONTACT:
Sharon Torrence, CDF Information Officer
Mary Pitto, County Public Information Officer
(209) 754-2739 and (209) 754-6303		   RELEASE
DATE: Sept 7, 2001

TIME: 1900 hours

The Darby Fire Update

CDF is looking for anyone with information about a maroon color newer model Toyota pickup with a matching camper shell. The pickup was seen in the Camp 9 area near the Collierville power house about the time the fire started and is considered as a potential witness. If you have any information, you may contact the fire investigator at 532-0821.
     San Andreas - Evacuated residents will be allowed to return home at 8:00 P.M. this evening. Evacuations are being lifted because the imminent danger to the residences no longer exists. The fire is moving down into the canyon and away from the residential areas. Residents and property owners should be prepared to show proper identification into the previously evacuated area. The Sheriff Department will continue to have security patrol in the subdivisions that have been evacuated throughout the evening.
CDF will continue to monitor the fire until it is 100% contained.

     Safety remains a major concern for residents and fire personnel. Residents should drive slowly and with caution due to the continued presence of heavy firefighting equipment. Residents should limit their travel in and out of the restricted areas as firefighters continue to complete containment lines.

     Environmental health officials advise residents upon returning home to determine whether the residence experienced a power failure. If there was a loss of power, food and the water supply may be contaminated. An information guide is available to assist residents. Call Environmental Health at 754-6553.

     Once back home, if residents have lost pets or find stray animals, contact Animal Control during normal business hours (Monday-Saturday) at 754-6509.

     The Darby Fire, which started ½ mile east of the Stanislaus powerhouse 100' from the river's edge, has consumed 2,600 acres and is 45% contained.

     There are 2,691 fire personnel. There have been 2 minor injuries, a sprained ankle and a sprained knee, and one moderate injury, a leg laceration. No structures have been destroyed.

     Dr. Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer, reminds residents that persons with asthma or other respiratory disease, the elderly and small children should avoid going outdoors. "As a precaution, avoid outdoor exercise and strenuous activities," said Kelaita. Anyone with health problems related to air quality should contact their private physician or in the event of a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

People are reminded to treat all downed power lines as if they're live, or carrying electric current.

  • Do not touch or try to move them. It's especially important to keep children and animals away. 
  • If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST leave it, jump clear so that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

    Report downed power lines immediately to PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5000 and 911.

     Residents of the City of Angels, Six-Mile Village, Carson Hill, Vallecito, Douglas Flat, and Murphys are reminded to continue to conserve the water supply for essential domestic use only. These measures are necessary to extend the life of the water supply.

     If you need assistance with animal transport, call Animal Control at 754-6509.
For information regarding road restrictions or closures, 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.
Other information may be found at the CDF Website at www.fire.ca.gov and the County's Website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.