Extreme fire weather: Berkeley says some should evacuate

The city of Berkeley has declared an extreme fire weather warning from 8 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.

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

The designation means that "forecasted wind speeds and humidity levels during a Red Flag Warning would produce especially risky conditions in Berkeley."

The Berkeley forecast Friday night includes "very low humidity and winds coming from the north at 15-25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph."

As a result of the "rare and dangerous conditions," the city has activated an Emergency Operations Center and added police and fire patrols in the Berkeley Hills "because a fire that starts under these conditions could spread rapidly."

BFD "recommends that residents in Berkeley fire zones 2 and 3 consider leaving the Berkeley Hills before 8 p.m. Friday and relocating to lower elevations."

"If you choose to stay in the hills, refrain from any activities that could ignite a fire," BFD Chief Dave Sprague said. "Back cars into driveways or otherwise reposition vehicles to keep roadways clear, leave your phone ringer on tonight, have a go bag ready and be prepared to evacuate."

Fire Weather and Evacuation

Protect yourself and your family. Be ready for fire weather and evacuation with these tools and information. Wildfires are now more frequent, destructive, and fast-moving than ever. Berkeley residents must change how we prepare and respond.Take control before a fire startsProtect yourself and your family. Sign up for emergency notifications. Make a household fire weather plan. Be ready to leave the hills when the Berkeley Fire Department proclaims Extreme Fire Weather due to forecasted low humidity and high winds.

City of Berkeley

The city has partnered with Visit Berkeley and several local hotels for Berkeley residents who leave their homes and need discounted lodging.

"Leaving the area during periods of heightened threat is the best way to stay in control and minimize your risk," the city said Friday. "Stay with friends, family, or at a hotel until this dangerous weather subsides."

The police patrols will "provide added security as people leave their homes."

According to Friday's statement, there are no emergency power shut-offs planned in Berkeley at this time, "but that could change depending on conditions."

Check PG&E's Outage Center for the latest info on power outages.

"The strongest winds — and greatest danger — will be overnight," the city said Friday. "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."

The city also said that anyone who feels threatened should "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."

Prepare for extreme fire weather in Berkeley

Wildfires have become more "frequent, destructive and fast-moving" than ever, the city said Friday. "Berkeley residents must change how we prepare and respond."

Take control before a fire starts by following these simple steps.

• Sign up for AC Alert on all your devices
• Leave your phone on to get alerts even when you are sleeping
• Do not use the "do not disturb" mode during high-risk weather
• Bookmark Berkeley’s emergency map:  
  • Download the Genasys Protect App to get real-time alerts about emergencies
  • Find your evacuation zone on the Berkeley emergency map website, which will be referenced in AC Alert evacuation messages. (Example: "BER-E044" is Berkeley Zone 44)
• Put your go-bag by the front door
• Plan multiple evacuation routes, including two by foot
• Park off-street, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles
• Back your car into your driveway or garage to make for an easier exit
• Secure outdoor furniture: Bring patio furniture, umbrellas, grills and other items that might blow away during high winds indoors or find another way to secure them. 

Other resources from the city 

• Fire weather and evacuation resources
• Use the city's fire weather planning tool to decide when you’ll leave, where you’ll stay and what you’ll pack
• Use the city's wildfire evacuation checklist: PDF | Word
• Visit FireSafe Berkeley to learn about programs to protect your property and community
• Learn more about the city’s emergency alerting tools, such as the new outdoor warning system

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