Background and Findings
Numerous wildfires burn throughout the state. On August 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency in California due to fires burning statewide. As of this date,
UC Santa Cruz is impacted by the wildfires burning in Santa Cruz County and elsewhere in Northern California. Residents of the mountain communities surrounding UC Santa Cruz have been forced to evacuate their homes in the face of the fast-moving Lightning Complex Fire ignited a few days ago by a dry lightning storm.
Emergent conditions exist on or within the vicinity of the campus and pose a threat of serious injury to persons or damage to property because of the Lightening Complex Fires. This evening’s news reports indicate that the Lightening Complex Fires have: merged and continue to actively burn due to low relative humidities, high day and night-time temperatures, inaccessible terrain and limited resources; resulted in over 28,000 people in several communities being evacuated or are under a warning; and burned across over 40,000 acres with 0% containment as of this morning. As this tragic event continues to unfold extraordinary measures are required immediately to avert, alleviate, or repair damage to University property or to maintain the orderly operation of the campus. Evacuations are an important part of this effort because they free up first responders to focus on battling the fire rather than on rescuing people who may find themselves trapped by the fires.
In the context of a rapidly evolving situation, the great risk to loss of life or property, depleted firefighting resources, difficult terrain, and limited visibility, it is essential to nimbly and rapidly respond at a moment’s notice.
Chancellor’s Order
WHEREFORE, AS CHANCELLOR OF THE UC SANTA CRUZ CAMPUS I DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY TO EXIST ON THE FOLLOWING UC SANTA CRUZ LOCATIONS:
- Residential Campus
- Coastal Science Campus
- Westside Research Park.
I FURTHER DECLARE:
- These areas are closed.
- Consistent with the authority under California Penal Code Section 409.5, UC Santa Cruz Police Department will close these areas for the duration of this order to any and all persons not authorized to enter or remain.
- Anyone not authorized to enter or remain at any of these facilities is subject to arrest and/or emergency suspension, until such time this declaration is rescinded.
This order is in effect until further notice.
Cynthia Larive
Chancellor
