Fire Disaster Preparedness

Red Flag Warning Indicating Higher Fire Risk for Berkeley & East Bay hills

Hills residents should be ready to evacuate. Everyone should take precautions to prevent fires.

red triangular flag waving in wind with words "fire weather" printed in white text

Published:

October 27, 2023

Last Updated:

October 30, 2023

A National Weather Service “Red Flag Warning” predicts fast and dry winds in the Berkeley Hills from Saturday October 28 at 5:00 am until Sunday October 29 at 5:00 pm. For Berkeley, forecasts predict the greatest risk to be overnight Saturday into Sunday morning.

Fires that start during Red Flag Warnings can spread quickly and unpredictably.

Help prevent fires

Use extreme caution when operating BBQs, power equipment or other heat sources, such as idling cars.
Remember that fireworks are illegal in Berkeley and surrounding areas.

Prepare now to increase your control

Wildfires are now more frequent, destructive, and fast-moving than ever. Take control before a fire starts:

Sign up all your devices for AC Alert.
Leave your phone on to receive alerts even if you are sleeping. Don’t use the “do not disturb” mode during high-risk weather.
Find your evacuation zone on Berkeley’s Emergency Map, which will be referenced in AC Alert evacuation messages. (Example: “BER-E044” is Berkeley Zone 44). Learn more about the City’s emergency alerting tools, such as our new Outdoor Warning System.
Put your go-bag by the front door.
Plan multiple evacuation routes, including two by foot.
Park off-street. Back your car into your driveway or garage, leaving streets clear for emergency vehicles.

Red Flag Warnings are an early indicator of fire risk. They are not as severe as “Extreme Fire Weather” days, rare conditions underlying many of California’s most destructive fires. Learn more about Red Flag Warnings and Extreme Fire Weather on our fire weather and evacuation webpage.