California city takes extraordinary step to urge residents in hills leave their homes preemptively

The National Weather Service has forecast extremely low humidity (as low as 20-25%)Photo byMarcus KauffmanonUnsplash

Berkeley residents, especially those living in Fire Zones 2 and 3 in the hills, are being urged to prepare for extreme fire weather starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 18. The dangerous conditions are expected to last until 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, with the Berkeley Fire Department recommending early evacuations for those in high-risk areas.

The National Weather Service has forecast extremely low humidity (as low as 20-25%) and winds up to 25 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 30 miles per hour. These conditions, combined with dry vegetation, create a significant risk for wildfires that can spark, spread rapidly, and change direction unpredictably. It’s the most severe fire weather Berkeley has faced in four years.

Residents are advised to leave before the extreme weather starts, especially those who may face challenges evacuating quickly. The narrow, winding roads in the Berkeley hills could become blocked by fallen trees or branches, making early evacuation the safest option. The city has coordinated with five local hotels to offer discounted rates for evacuees.