This was received from Joe Pasinato <jpasinato@fs.fed.us>:

SANTA MARIA, CA… The Forest Service Special Agents on the Fire Investigation Team is asking for the public's assistance to help establish the cause of the La Brea Fire which started on August 8, 2009.  Investigators have spoken to witnesses, but are still seeking additional information that may assist with the ongoing investigation into the fire.

Specifically, the investigators are seeking any additional information relating to a tan or gold colored 2004-2005 Chevy van that was last seen on Sierra Madre Road on the afternoon of August 8, on the Los Padres National Forest, east of the city of Santa Maria.  The van is similar to that in the attached photo [this photo was missing from the email sent to The Mountain Daily News].

Anyone who was in that general area at the time or has other information about the origin of the fire is urged to contact investigators at 805-686-5074.  Callers may remain anonymous.