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With extreme fire weather expected beginning at 8:00 p.m. on October 18, you should prepare to evacuate

Posted on by Vanessa
With extreme fire weather expected beginning at 8:00 p.m. on October 18, you should prepare to evacuate

As the unusually high fire danger begins at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, Berkeley residents in the mountains should remain on heightened alert, keep their phones ringing and nearby charged, and consider heading to the hills the time of highest risk – especially if they get into trouble and would be able to get out quickly in the event of a forest fire.

These rare conditions, which are expected to last until 7 a.m. Saturday, October 19, include extremely low humidity (20-25% maximum) and winds of up to 25 mph with gusts of up to 30 mph. according to the National Weather Service point forecast provided to the city. The combination of high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation are the most dangerous fire conditions Berkeley has seen in four years and would cause wildfires to start and spread quickly.

The hot and dry conditions of “extreme fire weather” allow fires to ignite easily and spread quickly, posing a particular risk to those in Berkeley Fire Zones 2 and 3 – areas extending to Colusa Avenue, The Alameda, Spruce Street etc. may extend west to College Avenue. These hillside neighborhoods have narrow streets that make evacuation difficult.

These rare and dangerous conditions were last observed in October 2020. They exceed Berkeley's extreme fire weather threshold – a trigger for the Berkeley Fire Department to take additional preparedness measures beyond the actions we take with every alert.

Because a fire that breaks out under these conditions could have catastrophic consequences, we have activated our emergency operations center, deployed additional firefighters and locomotives, and increased police patrols in the hills.

Make sure you're subscribed to AC Alert, which sends text and email alerts when needed. Learn how to use the city's online emergency map, where emergency personnel will announce protective measures. Bookmark the map on your devices or download the Genasys Protect app.

To ensure safety, leave the area as early as possible

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 occur and until those conditions subside.

Consider going to friends, family or hotels until the dangerous weather subsides. The city has coordinated with five hotels in Berkeley to offer discounted rates under these conditions.

hotel rate Pet Policy
Residence Inn by Mariott
2121 Center St.
(510)982-2100		 20% off best available price.
Ask for a manager on duty.
Prices given depending on type
Space and Code “Berkeley
Fire aid kits.
All hotel rooms are suites
with fully equipped kitchen, separate
Living room and laundry
On-site facilities.
The price includes breakfast and
Standard WiFi.
Valet parking: $54.00 plus
10% tax		 Up to two pets are allowed
for an 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. Subject to availability Two dogs up to 33kg for an additional charge 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 pounds. is permitted for an additional fee of $75.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
1175 University Ave.
(510)548-1700		 Price: 20% discount Best flexible price
Hot breakfast buffet, parking, and Wi-Fi are free		 Not a pet friendly hotel. Service animals only.
La Quinta Hotel
920 University Ave.
(510)849-1121		 15% discount on regular prices. Free parking Two pets up to 35 kg. for an additional fee of $25 per stay

Forest fires can break out, spread and change direction quickly, especially in strong winds. Fallen branches and trees can block roads. The best way to maintain control and reduce risk to your household is to evacuate the home before a fire breaks out. This is particularly true for residents who would have difficulty getting out quickly or on foot.

The narrow, winding road network in the Berkeley Hills can quickly become crowded. The more people leave the area in advance, the more space remains on the roads in case an evacuation is necessary.

Because fires are unpredictable, we cannot announce safe evacuation locations until a fire breaks out and we know which areas are at risk. Make a plan in advance to get out of the mountains and have phones and radios ready for directions on where to go. We will send instructions via AC Alert and broadcast at 4:10 p.m.

Be ready to evacuate

Berkeley residents, and especially mountain residents, should always be prepared to evacuate quickly if necessary:

  • Have a bag for traveling

    During an evacuation, you may only have a few moments to leave. Everyone in your home needs a “go bag” with the items you need for a safe evacuation, including a flashlight, a map showing evacuation routes, a whistle to signal for help, cash, and copies of important documents. Make sure your travel bag is light enough to carry if you need to exit your vehicle and evacuate on foot. Use our wildfire evacuation checklist as a guide when packing your travel bag.

  • Practice evacuation with your family

    Review your plan and practice your escape routes with your household. Take your travel bag with you when you practice. Regular practice ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency when action needs to be taken quickly.

  • Stay alert during fire weather

    Always keep your phone with you during an alert. Put your duffel bags by the door and back in your driveway so you can get out quicker. Discuss your evacuation zone and evacuation plans with your household.

Download our evacuation checklist and keep it visible in your home.

Stay alert and prepare to evacuate if necessary.

The strongest winds – and greatest danger – will prevail overnight. Keep your phone on, adjust the volume, turn off the Do Not Disturb settings, and keep it nearby. Place your travel bags and shoes by the door and discuss evacuation plans with your family before bed.

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

Leaving early gives you the most control over how you get down the mountain and what you can bring with you. If you leave after a fire breaks out, you may not be able to get out in your car and therefore need to be prepared to evacuate on foot.

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