Berkeley says some should be evacuated

Berkeley fire

The city recommends that residents of fire zones 2 and 3 leave the Berkeley Hills before 8 p.m. at 7 a.m. Friday through Saturday

Extreme fire weather: Berkeley says some should evacuate — It's the first time the city has issued the critical weather warning since 2020, when it happened twice. *David Abercrombie*

The City of Berkeley has declared an Extreme Fire Weather Warning from 8:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 a.m. Saturday.

It's the first time the city has issued the critical weather warning since 2020, when it happened twice.

The designation means that “predicted wind speeds and humidity levels during a red flag warning would result in particularly risky conditions in Berkeley.”

The forecast for Berkeley Friday evening includes “very low humidity and winds from the north at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.”

Due to the “rare and dangerous conditions,” the city activated an emergency operations center and established police and fire patrols in the Berkeley Hills “as a fire that breaks out under these conditions could spread quickly.”

BFD “recommends residents of Berkeley fire zones 2 and 3 consider evacuating the Berkeley Hills and moving to lower elevations before 8 p.m. Friday.”

“If you choose to remain in the mountains, refrain from any activity that could start a fire,” said BFD Chief Dave Sprague. “Back cars into the driveway or otherwise reposition them to keep the streets clear. Leave your phone ringtone on tonight, have an overnight bag ready and prepare to evacuate.”

The city has worked with Visit Berkeley and several local hotels for Berkeley residents who are leaving their homes and in need of discounted housing.

“Leaving the area during times of increased threat is the best way to maintain control and minimize your risk,” the city said Friday. “Stay overnight with friends, family or in a hotel until the dangerous weather subsides.”

The police patrols would “provide additional security as people leave their homes.”

According to Friday's statement, no emergency power shutdowns are currently planned in Berkeley, “but that could change depending on conditions.”

For current outage information, visit PG&E's Outage Center.

“The strongest winds – and greatest danger – will blow overnight,” the city said Friday. “Keep your phone on, turn up 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.”

The city also said anyone who feels threatened should “leave immediately.”

“Don’t wait for an evacuation order. Consider self-evacuating if you see visible fire nearby or strong winds are carrying smoke or embers through your neighborhood.”

Prepare for extreme fire weather in Berkeley

Wildfires have become “more frequent, more destructive and faster” than ever before, the city said on Friday. “Berkeley residents must change the way we prepare and respond.”

Take control before a fire breaks out by following these simple steps.

Sign up for AC Alert on all your devices
Keep your phone on to receive notifications even when you sleep
Do not use Do Not Disturb mode in hazardous weather
Bookmark the Berkeley emergency map:
Place your travel bag next to the front door
Plan multiple evacuation routes, including two on foot
Park off-street and leave the streets clear for emergency vehicles
Back your car into your driveway or garage to make it easier to exit
Secure patio furniture: Bring patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, and other items that could be blown away in high winds indoors or find another way to secure them.