Red Flag Warning for Santa Cruz County

To: UCSC Campus Community

From: Public Affairs

The National Weather Service has posted a Red Flag Warning for Santa Cruz County from 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, to 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. The forecast includes offshore winds in the 20-30 mph range, with gusts up to 50 mph. The warning also extends to neighboring San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Marin counties and parts of Monterey County.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire conditions are likely or imminent. Critical conditions include low humidity, strong winds, and dry fuels and could result in fires starting more easily and the potential to spread rapidly. 

Wildfire poses a serious and potentially devastating threat to our campus. Wildfire safety is a shared responsibility among students, staff, and faculty.

As a reminder, burning is not permitted at UC Santa Cruz without the explicit approval of the designated campus fire marshal. During a Red Flag Warning, remember:

  1. Don't use any source of heat or open flame outdoors, including cooking, power tools, or mowers.
  2. Don't smoke outdoors.
  3. Avoid driving or parking in dry grass or vegetation.
  4. Keep your devices charged in case of a Public Safety Power Shut Off.
  5. Check vehicles for any dangling/damaged components that contact the road when driving.  

If you see any fire activity, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1.  

Keep in touch with local officials for the most up-to-date information.