Wildfires in Los Angeles County

Our region’s magnificent first responders are currently battling two very large and dangerous wildfires, one, the most destructive in our history, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, the other in Altadena, near Pasadena, as well as several smaller blazes. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, offices, and businesses, and continue to threaten many neighborhoods. Our thoughts and well-wishes go out to all those who have lost their homes, been evacuated to temporary shelter or are threatened by one of these fires.

While UC Irvine is not affected by the fires and will remain open, we know that numerous individuals within the Anteater family are being impacted. Many of our students come from or have family members in the fire areas, and for those who are feeling distress the UCI Counseling Center is available. Faculty are encouraged to be as flexible as possible with all students – and fellow colleagues – who are impacted by the fires. Supervisors should make every effort to accommodate the needs of affected staff.

For links to current fire information, including Cal Fire incident pages, as well as links for FEMA and information on UC emergency resources, please visit our Disaster Relief & Recovery page.

For those faculty and staff affected by the wildfires, UC Irvine provides a variety of services through our Life Resources Program, offering emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, financial assistance, and other support. This free and confidential program is available to all UC Irvine and UCI Health employees.

In these difficult times, it is important that we demonstrate care and concern for the wellbeing of all members of our campus community. Please join me in doing what we can to help our colleagues and fellow Anteaters.

Fiat Lux.

Chancellor Howard Gillman