City officials in Berkeley on Friday urged some residents of the Berkeley Hills to consider leaving their homes as high winds are expected to increase the risk of fire.
According to a city statement, Hills residents are urged to maintain a heightened alert from 8 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday. During that period, extremely low humidity is expected, along with wind speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour and possible gusts of up to 48 kilometers per hour.
“The combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation is the most dangerous fire conditions Berkeley has seen in four years and could allow wildfires to spread quickly,” the city said.
People living in the hills are being told to be extra alert and keep their phones charged with ringers on and nearby. Residents who have difficulty getting out quickly during a wildfire are also asked to consider leaving their homes.
Officials said the conditions pose a particular risk to residents living in fire zones 2 and 3 because of narrow roads that pose evacuation problems.
“The narrow, winding street network in the Berkeley hills can quickly become crowded. The more people leave the area in advance, the more space there will be on the roads if an evacuation is necessary,” officials said.
Berkeley officials have worked with five hotels in the city to offer discounted rates. More information about the hotels can be found on the city’s website.
The recommendation comes as the Bay Area is under a Red Flag Warning, which remains in effect Saturday until 5 p.m.
