Fire Near UCLA: Current Status and Resources for the Bruin Community

The recent fires in Los Angeles County have significantly impacted the UCLA community. This article provides up-to-date information on the fire situation near UCLA, the university's response, resources available to students, faculty, and staff, and guidance on staying safe and informed.

Sepulveda Fire: A Recent Incident

On January 23, 2025, the Sepulveda Fire broke out approximately 1.8 miles from the UCLA campus. According to the Watch Duty app, the fire reached 20 acres in size. Northwest winds near the fire were recorded between eight and 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 25 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. Fortunately, as stated by LAFD spokesperson Margaret Stewart, "There are no structures damaged and no injuries reported.”

Air Quality and Safety Measures

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown ash and dust advisory for Los Angeles County. UCLA has installed air-quality sensors in strategic locations around campus to provide real-time assessments of air quality in the immediate vicinity. These sensors offer a more accurate reflection of the air quality on campus than community and city sensors that may be located in other areas of the region.

Depending on air quality, individuals may consider limiting exposure to outside air by closing windows and doors. Wearing a highly protective mask is recommended when spending extended periods outdoors.

UCLA's Response and Operational Status

UCLA is actively monitoring developments and is prepared to respond should the situation evolve. The university has taken the following steps:

Instructional Modality: As of Tuesday, January 18, UCLA Extension resumed in-person instruction. Any further modifications to UCLA’s mode of instruction for undergraduate and graduate students are determined by the Academic Senate, which considers the administration’s recommendation when making the final decision on instructional modality.
Dining Services: As of Saturday, January 18, campus dining halls have fully reopened. Students will be notified of any further changes.
Healthcare: UCLA’s hospitals and most clinics are operating normally. Some UCLA clinics throughout the region have been impacted, and affected patients are being contacted with additional information.
Housing: Residence hall and apartment front desks remain open during regular hours of operation and will continue to do so even if UCLA enters an evacuation warning. They will modify operations if UCLA receives a mandatory evacuation order. UCLA is offering housing to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed or who have been evacuated.
Emergency Preparedness: UCLA’s Office of Emergency Management develops procedures to keep Bruins safe during an emergency.

Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a mandatory evacuation order:

Students should report to the nearest rally point: Pauley Pavilion concourse for those living on the Hill, and the Tipuana Apartments for those students living in Weyburn and University Apartments North. Both rally points are also available to students living off campus in Westwood, whether in university-owned housing or in non-university-owned housing.
Managers and supervisors will communicate directly with employees who are currently working on campus regarding evacuation plans. This excludes UCLA Health, as specific instructions will be sent to UCLA Health employees.
Each principal investigator (PI) or group leader of a laboratory research program (experimental, computational or otherwise) has been asked to prepare a strategy to ramp down campus laboratory research activities.
Students with disabilities requiring assistance, including mobility or service animal assistance, should call their building front desk or fill out an emergency assistance form.

What to Bring During an Evacuation:

Pack essential items into a single, easily carried bag or suitcase, including:

Identification documentation such as birth certificate, passport, license and/or identification card
Medication
Devices and chargers

Students at the evacuation site will be notified once clearance has been given from officials. The UCLA Police Department will provide more information if there is an evacuation order.

Communication and Alerts

UCLA’s public alert and warning system is used to distribute emergency notifications to the campus community. Students are automatically enrolled through information on my.ucla.edu. Staff and faculty members are automatically enrolled through information in UCPath. Family members, friends, or visitors may sign up for alerts by texting ‘BRUIN ALERT’ to 888-777.

The Bruin Safe App sends instant notifications and instructions when on-campus emergencies occur and allows for contact with campus safety staff for quick help during an emergency or to report a hazard.

Resources for the UCLA Community

UCLA is offering a range of resources to support students, faculty, and staff affected by the fires:

Emergency Housing: UCLA Housing is currently prioritizing faculty and staff who have been displaced by the wildfires for emergency housing.
Discounted Hotel Rates: Reduced rates for evacuees and those who have lost their homes are available at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, The Inn at UCLA, and the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. Call 310-794-1600 to inquire about availability.
Faculty on Sabbatical: Faculty leaving their homes on sabbatical may offer housing to those who have lost their homes.
Student Basic Needs: Support for housing, food, and other essentials is available at the Student Activities Center. Call 310-825-5969 for assistance or complete an intake form.
Student Legal Services: Offers legal advice on contract review, filing insurance claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and more.
Center for Accessible Education: Students registered with the center can access tailored support as they navigate this transition.
Emergency Loans and Financial Assistance: Employees in need of financial support can access emergency loans and hardship withdrawals through the UC 403(b) plan.
Free Legal Services: ARAG legal services will be offered free of charge to employees affected by the fires who are not enrolled in the legal insurance program until March 31, 2025.
Emergency Paid Administrative Leave: Employees who have been impacted by the fires and are unable to come to work or work remotely may be eligible for administrative leave with pay.
Catastrophic Leave Program: The UCLA Campus Catastrophic Leave Program offers temporary salary and benefits continuation to eligible employees whose homes have suffered severe damage or destruction due to the fires. UCLA employees may donate accrued vacation hours either to the Campus Central Catastrophic Leave Bank or to individual qualified staff members.

Health and Wellness Support

UCLA is committed to supporting the mental and physical well-being of its community members:

Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center: The center remains open. Call 310-825-4073 or cancel/reschedule appointments using the Patient Portal.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Counselors are available 24/7 at 310-825-0768 to support mental health needs and provide practical coping advice.
RISE Center: Offering workshops and spaces to process and heal.
Be Well Bruin: Access to a range of health and wellness services, from medical care and counseling to recreational activities, safety resources, and peer advocacy.
UCLA Health Hospitals: Continuing to operate normally and treat patients.

Additional Resources

Master Inventory: L.A. Wildfires: UCLA has created a master list of resources for wildfire evacuees that includes information on housing and shelter, food distribution, clothing donation, financial assistance, and other important topics throughout the Los Angeles region.
Red Cross Shelter Finder: A tool to locate nearby Red Cross shelters.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Resources in English and Spanish for families, children, and communities to navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together.

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