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: 2200 hours

     San Andreas - The Darby Fire has now consumed over 6,800 acres and is still 50% contained. There was increased activity this afternoon in the Cone Hill, Doud's Landing, and Candy Rock area in Calaveras County. The fire activity tomorrow is anticipated to be much the same as today. There are 183 engines and 2,623 fire personnel.

     The Sheriff's Department issued mandatory evacuations on Love Creek Road and the Doud's Landing area, approximately 20 homes. An additional 260 residences in the Pinebrook area, south of Murphys Drive on Vallecito Drive and all streets off of Avery Drive, have been put on an advisory notice.

     Calaveras Works and Human Services has opened the evacuation center at the Albert Michelson Elementary School off Highway 4 on Pennsylvania Gulch Road in Murphys. If you need assistance with animal transport, call Animal Control at 754-6509.

     Although no additional evacuations are currently planned, people who live in the immediate surrounding area should be prepared should an evacuation be ordered. Have valuable papers, such as deeds, mortgage papers, insurance documents, birth certificates, and photographs packed and in the car. Bring your medications, any special equipment needed for several days, and the name of your physician.

     Love Creek Road at Moran Road is closed. Other roads may be restricted on as needed basis. 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