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 10, 2001

TIME: 1000 hours

The Darby Fire Update

Craig Mattson, State Park Superintendent Calaveras District, has announced that due to the smoke and the amount of heavy equipment going through the park Calaveras Big Trees State Park is temporarily closed at the North Grove. Walter Smith Parkway Gate, Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, South Grove area, and Oak Hollow are closed to all public entry. The North Grove Campground and the North Grove Trail will remain open. For further information call Big Trees State Park at (209) 795-2334

     San Andreas - The Darby Fire has consumed 5,565 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. There have been 15 minor injuries.

     Yesterday there were three spot fires across the North Fork that were contained at 5, 2, and 1 acres. The fire is expected to be active again today, much like yesterday. The fire crews will continue to reinforce the perimeter and fight the direct line of fire with hand crews and air support. The fire has been held to north of the Middle Fork, using a lot of the air support dropping retardant to accomplish this.

     There are 148 engines and 2,454 fire personnel, 49 bulldozers, 37 water tenders, 9 air tankers, and 13 helicopters. Of these, 28 engines, 8 dozers, and 8 hand crews are staging throughout Mount Knight, Jupiter, Oak Hollow and Twain Hart in Tuolumne County.

     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.