Red Flag Warning: Increased fire risk in Berkeley Hills and flats

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning from Tuesday at 11 a.m. through Thursday at 7 a.m. for most of the Bay Area including Berkeley.

The forecast predicts low humidity and 30 mph winds with the greatest risk in Berkeley expected from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.  

Residents who live in the "Berkeley Flats and Hills should be ready to evacuate and take precautions to prevent fires," the city announced Monday.

The city also noted that PG&E is planning a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in some parts of Northern California, including Alameda County.

PG&E has not said that Berkeley will be included in the planned outage — but the city encouraged people to view PG&E’s outage maps to learn whether you may be affected.

• Read about PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs and sign up for PG&E outage alerts

Help prevent fires 

Fires that start during Red Flag Warnings can spread quickly and unpredictably, the city said Monday.

• Use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment or other heat sources, such as idling cars.
• Remember that fireworks are illegal in Berkeley and surrounding areas.

Red Flag Warnings indicate fire risk but "are not as severe as 'Extreme Fire Weather' days, rare conditions underlying many of California’s most destructive fires."

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. 

Use Berkeley’s Emergency map to get critical information and act quickly on warnings, orders

City’s emergency map aligns the community with emergency personnel to guide the public to important information, resources, and orders to evacuate or shelter. Learn how to use the City’s emergency map to quickly see how neighborhoods, including your own, may be directed to evacuate, shelter in place, or take other protective action. When possible, the City will also use the map to identify evacuation routes, road closures, shelters, or other critical information to guide you to your next step.

City of Berkeley

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
• Check for power outage and PSPS information at PG&E’s Outage Center
• Sign up for AC Alert

Dispatch from Berkeley wildfire season: Cut, whack, yank, dig, repeat

Home inspections, a “fuel break” on Grizzly Peak and a project focused on eucalyptus understory cleanup are just a few of the efforts underway.

The Berkeley ScannerKate Darby Rauch