City Of Berkeley: Red Flag Warning Indicating Higher Fire Risk For Berkeley And East Bay Hills

Press release from City of Berkeley:

September 09, 2021

Berkeley, California (Thursday, September 09, 2021) - A Red Flag Warning issued for the hills of Berkeley and much of the East Bay means that hills residents need to be ready to evacuate, and should take precautions to stop fires before they start.

The Red Flag Warning announced by the National Weather Service predicts erratic and gusty winds and possible dry lightning. This weather window lasts from 5pm Thursday, Sept. 9 until 11am Friday, Sept. 10.

For Berkeley, the greatest risk is forecasted to be on Friday, September 9 starting just after midnight and lasting through the early morning hours. Fires that start during Red Flag Warnings can spread quickly.

Use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment or other heat sources such as idling cars. Remember that fireworks are always completely forbidden in Berkeley and surrounding areas. These steps can help prevent fires.

Wildfires are now more frequent, destructive, and fast-moving than ever. Berkeley residents must change how we prepare and respond.

• Sign up for AC Alert, the City's emergency notification service.
• Leave your phone on to receive alerts even if you are sleeping.
• Know your evacuation zone, which will be used for evacuation messages.
• Put your go-bag by the front door.
• Plan multiple evacuation routes, including two by foot.
• Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.

• Wildfire Readiness for Berkeley residents
• Berkeley Fire Department recommends hills residents plan to stay elsewhere during "Extreme Fire Weather" (8/3/2021)
• Wildfire evacuation checklist: PDF | MS Word (large print and screen reader friendly)
• Wildfire readiness video series
• Fire weather planning tool: a step-by-step guide to create your household fire weather plan
• Vegetation management checklist: learn essential steps to improve your home's chance of surviving a wildfire

This press release was produced by City of Berkeley. The views expressed here are the author’s own.