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 21, 2001

TIME: 0915 hours

The Darby Fire Update

 CDF investigators are continuing to look for anyone with information about a maroon colored pickup seen in the Camp 9 area the afternoon of September 5, 2001. They have received dozens of leads, but have not yet been able to identify the vehicle. The vehicle is a newer model (1994-2001) 4-wheel drive Toyota with a matching cab-high camper shell. There is possibly a sticker on the rear wheel fender in large lettering "TRD", and the camper shell possibly has tinted windows. It was seen in the Camp 9 area near the Collierville power house about the time the fire started. There were two occupants, the driver being a male. If you have any information about this vehicle or any other vehicle seen in the Camp 9 area September 5, 2001, please contact fire investigators at 532-0821.

     San Andreas - "The Darby Fire " which has consumed 14,280 acres, was declared 100% contained as of 6 PM Sunday, September 16, 2001. Full control is expected Monday, September 24, 2001 at 6:00 PM.

     Demobilization continues with the release of surplus personnel and equipment. On September 20, at 10:00 AM Incident Command Team 10 transitioned command of the Darby Fire to the local unit. There are now 17 engines and 285 fire personnel, 10 bulldozers, 14 water tenders, and 2 helicopters. There have been 44 injuries and one travel trailer was destroyed. The suppression cost to date is $20,850,718.

     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.

     The CDF Emergency Watershed Protection and the USFS Burn Area Emergency Rehabilitation teams continue to review both suppression impacts, such as the fire lines constructed by hand crews and dozers and fire impacts to determine the extent of repair and rehabilitation that will be needed.

     Big Trees State Park is now open.

     Information may be found at the CDF Website at www.fire.ca.gov and the County's Website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.