> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Extreme fire weather: Berkeley says some should evacuate - URL: https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/10/18/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-extreme-fire-weather-alert-evacuate/ - Published: 2024-10-18T23:12:09.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-18T23:12:09.000Z - Description: The city recommends that residents in fire zones 2 and 3 leave the Berkeley Hills before 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday at 7 a.m. - Author: Emilie Raguso - Tags: Berkeley Fire, Berkeley Hills, Disaster preparedness, Breaking news, #articles, Wildfire 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](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/10/15/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-red-flag-warning-thursday-saturday/) would produce especially risky conditions in Berkeley." The [Berkeley forecast Friday night](https://www.weather.gov/mtr/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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](https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=c83555684940467b9c103c12eb3ac3bf&extent=-122.3095,37.851,-122.2084,37.8925&ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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 EvacuationProtect 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.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)City of Berkeley![](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/20210830_City_of_Berkeley_003%20copy.jpg)](https://berkeleyca.gov/safety-health/fire/fire-weather-evacuation?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) The city has partnered with Visit Berkeley and [several local hotels](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-25-Berkeley%20Fire%20Weather%20Local%20Hotel%20Rates.pdf?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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](https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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](http://acalert.org/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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](https://protect.genasys.com/download?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) to get real-time alerts about emergencies - Find your [evacuation zone on the Berkeley emergency map website,](https://protect.genasys.com/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) 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](https://berkeleyca.gov/safety-health/fire/fire-weather-evacuation?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) resources - Use the city's [fire weather planning tool](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/berkeley-fire-weather-planning-tool.pdf?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) to decide when you’ll leave, where you’ll stay and what you’ll pack - Use the city's wildfire evacuation checklist: [PDF](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/wildfire-evacuation-checklist.pdf?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) | [Word](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/wildfire-evacuation-checklist-large-print.docx?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) - Visit [FireSafe Berkeley](https://www.berkeleyfiresafe.org/?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) to learn about programs to protect your property and community - Learn more about the [city’s emergency alerting tools](https://berkeleyca.gov/safety-health/disaster-preparedness/emergency-notifications?ref=berkeleyscanner.com), such as the new [outdoor warning system](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2023/09/01/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-siren-outdoor-warning-emergencies-disasters/) ### Related stories [Red Flag Warning in Berkeley from Thursday to SaturdayThe National Weather Service forecasts “critical fire weather conditions” from Thursday night into Saturday evening. Here’s what you need to know.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/size/w256h256/format/jpeg/2022/09/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerEditor’s desk![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/2024/10/6805163170_eee95b65fe_k.jpg)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/10/15/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-red-flag-warning-thursday-saturday/) [Dispatch from Berkeley wildfire season: Cut, whack, yank, dig, repeatHome inspections, a “fuel break” on Grizzly Peak and a project focused on eucalyptus understory cleanup are just a few of the efforts underway.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/size/w256h256/format/jpeg/2022/09/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerKate Darby Rauch![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-03-at-5.09.24-AM.jpg)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2024/10/03/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-wildfire-season-dispatch-cut-whack-yank-dig-repeat/) [Sign up for AC Alert for official emergency informationSign up for text, email, and phone alerts to quickly guide you, your family, and co-workers to protective actions during emergencies. Make sure each member of your household signs up for their own AC Alert account to receive alerts during an emergency.Include phone numbers, email addresses, and locations of interest, like your home, work, and children’s school addresses, to get critical emergency information.By signing up for AC Alert, which is used across Alameda County, you will receive important information about protective actions to take during emergencies, including extreme fire weather, evacuations, or orders to shelter-in-place.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)City of Berkeley![](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/2024%20web%20news-ac%20alert.png)](https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/news/sign-ac-alert-official-emergency-information?ref=berkeleyscanner.com) [Berkeley will now play ‘wailing siren tone’ in emergenciesBerkeley’s new outdoor warning system will advise about emergency action, which would differ depending on the disaster.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/8e/3b/8e3bb516-9b88-46c2-aa85-566ed9c3647c/content/images/size/w256h256/format/jpeg/2022/09/The-Berkeley-Scanner_Icon_Color-1.jpg)The Berkeley ScannerCity of Berkeley![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1627404017595-212e8933788f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHx3aWxkZmlyZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTM1NTI5ODN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)](https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2023/09/01/berkeley-fire-department/berkeley-siren-outdoor-warning-emergencies-disasters/) ## Sign up for The Berkeley Scanner Authoritative crime + safety news Get the headlines Email sent! 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