Firefighters over the past week have extinguished two wildfires on our campus, both of suspicious origin. With current dry conditions, the threat of fire on our campus is high and potentially devastating. Both fires remain under investigation, and anyone with information about the fires is asked to call campus police at 831-459-2231.
Anyone who smells smoke or sees a fire should immediately call 911.
If you encounter first responders with lights or sirens activated, please yield and make way. Doing so will ensure they are able to respond to any call without delay.
As a reminder, under California law, “unlawfully causing a fire that recklessly sets fire to or burns or causes to be burned, any structure, forest land or property is a felony punishable with both imprisonment and fines.”
Each year in California, wildland and vegetation fires destroy thousands of acres and hundreds of homes. The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex wildfires destroyed roughly 1,000 homes in Santa Cruz County, and required the emergency evacuation of campus. Please remain vigilant to the current fire risk.
Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility among students, staff, and faculty. For more information please visit our Wildfire Awareness webpage.
