City of Berkeley, CA

10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 17:21

With extreme fire weather expected starting 8pm on Oct. 18, be ready to evacuate

With extreme fire weather expected starting 8pm on Oct. 18, be ready to evacuate .

Published:
October 18, 2024
Last Updated:
October 18, 2024

With unusually risky fire danger starting at 8pm on Friday October 18, Berkeley residents in the hills should stay on heightened alert, keep phones charged with ringers on and nearby, and consider leaving the hills before the highest risk time - especially if they would have trouble getting out quickly in a wildfire.

These rare conditions, which are expected to last until 7am on Saturday, October 19, include extremely low humidity (a maximum of 20-25%), and winds of up to 25 miles per hour with gusts of up to 30 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service spot forecast provided to the City. The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation are the most dangerous fire conditions Berkeley has seen in four years and would enable wildfires to spark and spread rapidly.

The hot and dry conditions under "extreme fire weather" allow fires to easily ignite and rapidly spread, posing particular risk to those in Berkeley Fire Zones 2 and 3-areas that can stretch as far west as Colusa Avenue, The Alameda, Spruce Street and College Avenue. Those hillside neighborhoods have narrow roadways that pose evacuation challenges.

These rare and dangerous conditions were last seen in October 2020. They exceed Berkeley's threshold for Extreme Fire Weather - a Berkeley Fire Department trigger for additional preparedness steps beyond those we take during every Red Flag Warning.

Because a fire that starts under these conditions could be catastrophic, we have activated our Emergency Operations Center, positioned additional firefighters and engines, and increased police patrols in the hills.

Be sure that you're subscribed to AC Alert, which, if needed, would provide text and email alerts. Know how to use the City's online emergency map, where emergency personnel will post protective actions. Bookmark the map on your devices or download the Genasys Protect app.

To be safest, leave the area early if you can 

If you live in Fire Zone 2 or 3 (the Berkeley hills), the Berkeley Fire Department recommends that you leave before Extreme Fire Weather conditions start and until those conditions subside.

Consider leaving to the homes of friends, family, or to hotels until dangerous weather subsides.  The City has coordinated with five Berkeley hotels to offer discount rates during these conditions.

Hotel Rate Pet Policy
Residence Inn by Mariott
2121 Center St.
(510)982-2100 		20% off best available rate.
Ask for Manager on Duty.
Rates quoted on type of
room and code "Berkeley
Fire Relief Rates."
All Hotel rooms are Suites
w/ full kitchens, separate
living rooms, and laundry
facilities on-site.
Rate includes breakfast and
standard Wi-Fi.
Valet parking: $54.00 plus
10% tax 		Up to two pets are allowed
for additional fee of $150.
DoubleTree by Berkeley Marina
200 Marina Blvd.
(510) 548-7920 		$159.00 per room, per night, plus taxes. Parking Fee: $40.00 Based on availability Two dogs up to 70 lbs for additional fee of $75 per stay.
Hotel Shattuck Plaza
2086 Allston Way
(510)845-7300 		$169.00 per room, per night, plus taxes One pet (dog or cat) up to 60-lbs. is allowed for additional fee of $75.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
1175 University Ave.
(510)548-1700 		Rate : 20% off Best flexible rate
Hot buffet breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi are free 		Not a pet friendly hotel. Service animals only.
La Quinta Hotel
920 University Ave.
(510)849-1121 		15% off regular rates Free parking Two pets up to 75-lbs. for additional fee of $25 per stay

Especially during high winds, wildfires can spark, spread, and change directions rapidly.  Fallen branches and trees may block roads. The best way to stay in control and reduce the risk to your household is to leave before a fire starts. This is especially true for residents who would have trouble getting out quickly or on foot.

The narrow, curvy street network in the Berkeley hills can get crowded quickly.  The more people who leave the area in advance, the more space there will be on roads if an evacuation is required.

Because fires are unpredictable, we can only announce safe evacuation sites once a fire starts and we know what areas are threatened. Make a plan in advance to get out of the hills, and keep phones and radios ready to receive instructions for where to go. We will send instructions over AC Alert and broadcast on 1610AM.

Be ready to evacuate

Berkeley residents, and hills residents especially, should always be ready to evacuate rapidly if needed:

  • Have a go-bag

    In an evacuation, you may have only moments to leave. Everyone in your home needs a "go-bag" with the items you need to safely evacuate, including a flashlight, map marked with evacuation routes, a whistle to signal for help, cash, and copies of important documents. Make sure your go-bag is light enough to carry if you have to leave your vehicle and evacuate on foot. Use our wildfire evacuation checklist as a guide to pack your go-bag.

  • Practice evacuating with your household

    Review your plan and practice your evacuation routes with your household. Carry your go-bag with you when you practice. Regular practice ensures everyone will know what to do in an emergency, when you must act quickly.

  • Stay alert during fire weather

    Keep your phone on and with you at all times during a Red Flag Warning. Put go-bags by the door and back into your driveway so it will be easier to get out quickly. Review your evacuation zone and your evacuation plans with your household.

Download our evacuation checklist and keep it in a prominent place in your home.

Stay alert and be prepared to evacuate if needed.

The strongest winds - and greatest danger - will be overnight. Leave your phone on, turn the volume up, disable "do not disturb" settings, and keep it nearby. Place go-bags and shoes by the door and review evacuation plans with your family before bed.

If you feel threatened, leave immediately - do not wait for an evacuation order. Consider evacuating on your own if you see visible fire nearby or strong winds carrying smoke or embers through your neighborhood.

Leaving early gives you the most control over how you will get down the hill and what you can bring. If you leave after a fire starts, you may not be able to get out with your car, so you must be prepared to evacuate on foot.

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