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 9, 2001 TIME: 1130 hours

     San Andreas - The Darby Fire has consumed 3,950 acres and is 50% contained. Full containment is estimated on Wednesday, September 12 at 6:00 PM. Control of the fire is expected by next Sunday, September 16. The cause is still under investigation.

     Today there are 225 engines and 2,538 fire personnel. In addition, there are 33 bulldozers, 26 water tenders, 8 air tankers, and 15 helicopters. CDF is taking aggressive direct action on the head of the fire with helicopters, dozers, and hand crews. Also secondary lines are being constructed should a contingency plan become necessary.

     Love Creek Road at Moran Road is restricted to residents and property owners only. Residents and property owners should be prepared to show proper identification to be allowed in. 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.

Residents should expect to see a lot of smoke. Necessary precautions should be taken. Dr. Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer reminds persons with asthma or other respiratory disease, the elderly and small children to avoid going outdoors when it is very smoky. All persons should avoid outdoor exercise and strenuous activities. 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.

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.

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.