Many of us have been anxious today as Cal Fire battles several wildfires in our region. The devastation caused by last summer’s fires remains on our minds.
Though the campus is not threatened, we are continuing to monitor the situation and will share more information with our campus community as appropriate.
As of late this afternoon, Cal Fire has reported that:
-
The China Grade Fire near Boulder Creek is 20 acres and 100 percent contained;
-
The Empire Fire is 6 acres and 0 percent contained;
-
The Fanning Fire is 18 acres and is 95 percent contained;
-
The Freedom Fire near Watsonville is at 40 acres and is 20 percent contained;
-
The Panther Ridge Fire is 10-12 acres and 55 percent contained; and
-
The North Butano Fire is 10 acres and 0 percent contained.
Cal Fire continues to provide updates on Twitter. We thank the firefighters and other first responders who are responding to this emergency.
We want to make sure students and employees are supported during this stressful and difficult time. Staff who have been directly affected by the wildfires or the widespread power and internet outages are eligible for administrative leave with pay. Those employees should communicate with their manager.
The wildfires may understandably be stirring up difficult feelings. Employees in need of additional support can also use the Employee Assistance Program for counseling. Students in need of help can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services.
The campus also has websites with helpful information about how to be prepared for many different types of emergencies, including fire, power loss, earthquakes and more.
Thank you to everyone in our Slug community for all that you are doing to support each other and our campus.
