Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory for Berkeley Hills; PG&E Power Shutoff Planned for Berkeley
Hills residents: Consider relocating to lower elevations during this time
This is a message from the Berkeley Fire Department. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for the East Bay Hills from 11 a.m. TODAY, Sun., Oct. 25 to 5 a.m. Tues., Oct. 27. NWS has also issued a Wind Advisory from 4 p.m. TODAY, Sun., Oct. 25 to 11 a.m. Mon., Oct. 26. Combined with record-low moisture levels, these winds are expected to create the most dangerous fire weather Berkeley has seen so far this year—as strong or stronger than recent devastating fires in Napa and Sonoma. The combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation enables wildfires to spark and spread rapidly.
Residents in the Berkeley hills should consider relocating to the homes of friends, family, or to hotels before high winds are forecasted to begin at 4 p.m. today. Several hotels are offering discounts for Berkeley residents during Red Flag Warnings in October and November. Hills residents are encouraged to take advantage of these relief rates during this period of heightened threat.
This is not an order to evacuate. If a fire threatens Berkeley, we will issue evacuation orders using AC Alert.
Everyone should stay on heightened alert and prepare to evacuate if needed:
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Sign up for AC Alert, the City’s emergency notification service.
- Leave your phone turned on so you can be alerted, even if you are sleeping.
- Put your go-bag by the front door.
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Review your household’s evacuation routes. Make sure to plan at least two routes away from your neighborhood. During an evacuation you may not be able to drive, so consider using the network of Berkeley Path Wanderers paths in your evacuation plans. See CityofBerkeley.info/Wildfire for evacuation information and download the printable evacuation checklist.
- Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.
Especially during high winds, wildfires can spark, spread, and change directions rapidly. Fallen branches and trees may block roads. The best way to stay in control and reduce the risk to your household is to leave before a fire starts. This is especially true for residents who would have trouble getting out quickly or on foot.
Please also help to prevent fires: Use extreme caution with BBQs, power equipment, or other heat sources like idling cars.
Public Safety Power Shutoff Planned
Additionally, PG&E has announced that due to this weather event it is planning to shut off power to some areas of Berkeley. Community members can look up addresses on the PG&E website to learn whether a shutoff is likely for the address, as well as the estimated times for power shutoff and restoration.
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