Red Flag warning issued for Berkeley, East Bay Hills
Berkeley residents who live in "high-risk areas" should prepare for evacuation, the city said Tuesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning this week for the East Bay Hills — including those in Berkeley.
The warning is in effect from Wednesday at 11 p.m. through Thursday at 9 a.m.
Gusty winds and extremely low humidity are expected, resulting in potentially dangerous fire weather and an increased risk of power outages.
"Extreme fire behavior and rapid rates of spread likely on new and existing wildfires," said the National Weather Service, which issued the warning Tuesday morning.
A heat advisory is also in effect in the Berkeley Hills this week, from Thursday at noon until 11 p.m.
AC Alert, Alameda County's emergency notification system, shared the Red Flag warning Tuesday morning, noting that parts of the county could be affected.
"Wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly. PREPARE a go bag in case of evacuations. AVOID outdoor activities that can cause sparks. STAY AWARE," the county wrote.
The city of Berkeley issued its own AC Alert just before 2:50 p.m.
"Winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour and gusts up to 45 miles per hour with humidity between 12 to 18% are expected — conditions that lead to quick ignition and spread of fires," the city wrote.
Berkeley residents who live in "high-risk areas" should prepare for evacuation.
"Red Flag Warnings are an early indicator of increased wildfire risk," the city said. "These warnings are issued when strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation can combine to create dangerous fire conditions that can cause wildfires to spark easily and spread rapidly."
Officials urge residents to find their "zone" in Berkeley to learn how best to respond during an emergency.
On Tuesday, the city identified the following Berkeley zones as high risk: BER-003 through BER-010, BER-012, BER-015 through BER-020, BER-028 through BER-033, BER-040, BER-057, BER-058, BER-066, and BER-076 through BER-078.
The Scanner has asked the city for additional details but had not heard back as of publication time.
Sign up for disaster preparedness alerts from the city of Berkeley and learn how to use the city's emergency map and app to stay informed.
Fire weather safety tips from the National Weather Service
- Never leave burning debris or camp fires unattended; extinguish them completely.
- Avoid using equipment or machinery that could create a spark.
- Secure tow chains to avoid dragging and subsequent sparks.
- Never toss cigarette butts out of your vehicle's window. Remember, one less spark, one less flame.
Fire weather safety tips from the city of Berkeley
Be ready to receive emergency alerts.
- Sign up for AC Alert at ACalert.org
- Download the city's emergency map app for push alerts
- Leave your phone on overnight, and keep "do not disturb" off, to get alerts even while you are sleeping
Download and complete a household fire weather and evacuation plan.
- Having a plan helps you make decisions ahead of time, so you can act faster in an emergency
- Review your plan with your household and anyone who would help you leave early or evacuate
- Plan multiple ways out of your neighborhood. For wildfire evacuation out of the Berkeley Hills, your safest option is using a car. Make plans to drive or carpool with neighbors.
- Put your go-bag by the front door. You can evacuate faster if you are ready to leave when ordered.
- Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage. This helps clear streets clear for emergency vehicles and prepares you to leave more quickly if needed.
Learn more about Red Flag warnings on Berkeley's fire weather and evacuation page.
Fire prevention tips from the city of Berkeley
Everyone in Berkeley can help prevent fires by making safe choices, following the rules and reporting unsafe activity. Remember Fireworks are illegal in Berkeley and nearby areas.
- Use extreme caution with BBQs, power tools and anything that creates heat
- Hot engines can start fires: Park on pavement, not on grass or other vegetation
- Follow the rules for Berkely’s high-risk zones, including on private property
- Do not use charcoal or burn wood
- Do not use tools that create heat or sparks
- Follow the rules for city parks and other city property
- Do not do any outdoor burning
- Do not use tools that create heat or sparks
If you see something unsafe, call 911 right away.
Kate Darby Rauch
