University of California, Irvine

Campus status

Section 1

Oct. 27, 2020, 7:19 p.m.

This is the final update on the Silverado Fire incident.
As wildfires continue to burn in Southern California, our thoughts and well-wishes go out to the two firefighters who were severely injured on the job as well as those who are affected by these fires.

Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28, campus operations for indoor activity and limited non-strenuous outdoor activities may resume under COVID-19 guidelines. While the fires are not an immediate threat to UCI at this time, wildfires can be unpredictable and conditions may change. Please visit CAL FIRE for the latest updates: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/. If you are in an area where an evacuation order has been issued due to fire danger, please take this seriously. Our primary goal is the health and safety of our community. Flexibility is encouraged for faculty to support students who are impacted by these fires, and supervisors are encouraged to work with affected staff and faculty.

Environmental Health & Safety will continue to closely monitor the air quality on campus and provide updates as necessary. 

As a reminder, here is a list of available resources: 
  • Students and their families who are facing significant impacts due to the loss of their home or are in need of support due to evacuations, please contact the Campus Social Worker at campussocialworker@uci.edu or (949) 824-0101.
  • Faculty and staff who find themselves in need of support, have access to the Employee Assistance Program. Another available resource is the Employee Experience Center (EEC) and can be reached at eec@uci.edu or (949) 824-0500. 
  • Sign up for zotALERT and make sure to update your contact information if it changes.
  • Download the free With U · For U mobile app (App Store or Google Play) to quickly access safety resources and report safety concerns.
  • Make or purchase an Emergency Supply Kit.
  • Make an Emergency Plan with your family and/or friends.
  • Review campus emergency procedures.
  • Review OC Fire Authority Ready Set Go webpage. 
  • Register at www.alertoc.com, a mass notification system for Orange County residents and businesses.


Please visit uci.edu/status/ for the latest information from UCI on fire impacts.

Section 2

Oct. 27, 2020, 7:35 a.m.

OCFA firefighters continue to battle the Silverado Fire, which has burned more than 11,000 acres as of this morning. It is 5 percent contained. Suspension of campus operations will continue today, Oct. 27.

Section 3

Oct. 26, 2020, 7:31 p.m.

OCFA firefighters continue to battle the Silverado Fire and as of 4:46 p.m. it is zero percent contained. Suspension of campus operations will continue through tomorrow, October 27. All non-essential staff should stay home. Only essential work, including work that supports our on-site student community such as housing and dining, should continue inside operations. If you are not sure if you are an essential employee, you should check with your supervisor for your reporting status. Environmental Health & Safety will continue to monitor the air quality on campus and we will provide another update tomorrow.

We want to make sure that you are aware of UCI’s emergency resources and are informed of actions to take if you need to be evacuated. If you are in an area where an evacuation order has been issued due to fire danger, please take this seriously—the wellbeing and safety of you and your family is of utmost importance. 

For our students and their families who are facing significant impacts due to the loss of their home or are in need of support due to evacuations, please contact the Campus Social Worker at campussocialworker@uci.edu or phone (949-824-0101) for support and assistance.

For faculty and staff who find themselves also in need of support, please know that the Employee Assistance Program is a resource and you can find more information at http://www.wellness.uci.edu/facultystaff/eap/introduction.html. Additional emergency resources are available from UC’s benefits plans and UCnet provides details about the support and accommodations available to you. UCI also has negotiated reduced rates on local hotels. In addition to what is available at https://accounting.uci.edu/travel/resources/hotels.html, the Ayers Hotel in Orange will provide discounted rates for UCI employees. Call hotel directly at (714) 919-7940 and mention "UCI Employee Discount," or use "Corporate Code 50." Booking Link: https://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=131335&rateplanid=1734239. Should you have additional questions, please reach out to the Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or (949) 824-0500. 

For those of you monitoring the situation, consider registering at www.alertoc.com, which is a mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies that may require immediate life-savings actions. 

UCI takes your safety very seriously and encourages you to take appropriate precautions when learning, living, and working at UCI. The emergency management unit serves as the administrative unit charged with creating the framework within which the university can reduce vulnerability and sensitivity to hazards and cope with crises and disasters.

Here is a recommended list to help you prepare in case of an emergency: 
Please visit uci.edu/status/ for the latest information from UCI on fire impacts.

Latest Updates

Oct. 26, 2020, 10:54 a.m.

Early this morning, a fire began in the area of Santiago Canyon Road / Silverado Canyon Road and mandatory evacuations orders have been issued in affected areas. Smoke and ash from the fire are causing hazardous air conditions on campus. Currently, the fire is not a threat to UCI.

At this time, we are suspending campus operations for the day. All non-essential staff should go home, and staff not yet on campus should not come to campus today. Only essential work, including work that supports our on-site student community such as housing and dining, should continue inside operations. If you are not sure if you are an essential employee, you should check with your supervisor for your reporting status.

Please see the City of Irvine's website for additional information on care and reception facilities should the area where you live fall in the evacuation zone.

Students in need of support due to the impact of the wildfires, please contact the UCI Counseling Center at 949-824-6457. Employees and their families should contact the Employee Assistance Program at 844-824-3273.

Environmental Health & Safety will continue to monitor the air quality on campus and will coordinate with UCI’s Emergency Management to notify groups who may be affected by the air quality.

For more information on the Air Quality Index and current fire information, please visit https://ehs.uci.edu/enviro/air-quality/current-air-quality.php.

Updated information will be posted on http://www.emergency.uci.edu when available.

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