This page gives quick tips, and only quick tips, about what to do if you get an Extreme Fire Weather Alert but did not have an evacuation plan ready. The reference is Fire Weather and Evacuation | City of Berkeley.
If you receive an Extreme Fire Weather Alert, this means the Berkeley Fire Department has determined that forecasted Red Flag Warning wind speeds and humidity will produce especially risky conditions in Berkeley. Fires that spread under Extreme Fire Weather conditions can quickly become catastrophic.
The Berkeley Fire Department recommends that residents in Fire Zones 2 and 3 (the Berkeley Hills) leave during Extreme Fire Weather, before a fire starts. There is not enough road capacity for everyone in these zones to evacuate at once. If everyone waits to leave until a fire, some will die. Leaving early will make sure you get out alive.
Here’s what Firewise neighbors suggest you do immediately:
1. Prepare to Evacuate – NOW
- Consider leaving NOW, without waiting further. This is Berkeley Fire Department’s recommendation.
- Assume evacuation is imminent and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
- Keep your car fully fueled, parked facing out, and ready to go.
- Load your “Go Bag” and any valuables into your vehicle.
- Ensure family members and pets are accounted for and prepared to leave.
- If you feel unsafe, evacuate now—do not wait for an official order.
2. Stay Informed & Sign Up for Alerts
- Use Genasys Protect: Formerly Zonehaven, Genasys Protect provides real-time evacuation information. Enter your address to find your specific evacuation zone.
- Check AC Alert (acalert.org)
- Monitor local fires with BFD-recommended app Watch Duty
- Follow the Berkeley Fire Department (@BerkeleyFire) and Cal Fire (@CAL_FIRE) on social media.
- Listen to KCBS 740 AM, KQED 88.5 FM, KSOL - 98.9 FM (Spanish) and Radio 1610 AM for live updates.
3. Final Home Preparations Before Leaving
- Shut all windows and doors to prevent embers from entering.
- Move flammable furniture away from windows.
- Turn off gas and propane.
- Leave exterior lights on so firefighters can see your home in smoky conditions.
- Connect garden hoses to spigots and leave buckets of water outside.
4. Identify Your Evacuation Route & Safe Destinations before starting the car
- Know multiple routes out of the Berkeley Hills in case roads are blocked. Major exits include:
- Grizzly Peak Blvd to Claremont Ave or Fish Ranch Road
- Marin Ave to Arlington Ave
- Tunnel Road to Hwy 24
- Check your routes against real time emergency updates such as Genasys to be sure your routes are still open
- Avoid small, winding roads if possible—they can become congested quickly.
- Identify safe zones like local evacuation centers, large parking lots, or open spaces.
5. Evacuate Early If Fire Breaks Out Nearby
- Do NOT wait for mandatory evacuation orders—roads can become impassable fast.
- If you see flames or heavy smoke, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
- If trapped, shelter in a large, cleared area (like a parking lot) or stay inside a non-wooden structure.
- Do NOT attempt to outrun a fire on foot—heat and smoke can overcome you quickly.
Extreme Fire Weather is a truly dangerous condition. Consider leaving immediately when you receive an Extreme Fire Weather warning.