November 9, 2018 – Camp Fire update – Friday morning

To: Faculty and Staff
From: President Gayle Hutchinson

The University’s Emergency Operations Center closely monitored the Camp Fire overnight as it continued to burn southeast of the city of Chico. Due to firefighting efforts and favorable weather conditions, including a decrease in wind gusts, the fire has not entered city limits and continues to move away from the city. The Chico State campus is safe and no evacuation warning or order was issued for the area. We will continue to monitor throughout the day.

Campus is closed, and all events have been canceled for today. For our on-campus residents, the residence halls and Sutter Dining remain open with regular hours of operation.

We know the losses to our community have been significant, and our hearts go out to all who are affected and remain worried about friends and family members in the evacuation zones. If you've evacuated, please register at the Red Cross Safe & Well website(opens in new window). Concerned family and friends can also search the list of those who have registered as “safe and well” by clicking on the “Search Registrants” button.

Our compassion and care are hallmarks of the Chico Experience, and we are so grateful to those who have expressed sympathies and support for those impacted by this horrific fire. For those looking to support fire victims, there are a number a ways to help:

• Monetary donations: North Valley Community Foundation has activated a Camp Fire Evacuation Relief Fund(opens in new window) to support evacuees.
• Donated goods: Bidwell Presbyterian Church (208 W 1st St, Chico) is a donation drop-off center for the Red Cross, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current needs include: diapers (child/adult), toiletries, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, water, and snack foods and nonperishable foods.
• Volunteer: Caring Choices Emergency Volunteer Center is accepting applications from interested volunteers.
• Housing: Airbnb has activated its disaster program for Butte County, which allows members of our community to offer housing free of charge. If you are offering housing or in need of housing, visit www.airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees/buttecounty.

The University has informed students who choose to remain on campus or within the city of Chico that they should pack a bag to be ready in the unlikely event of an evacuation. Anyone who wishes to leave and has transportation and a safe place to go, should closely monitor email, @ChicoState on Twitter, and the University website for updates. In the case of a campus evacuation, the University is actively planning how to support those with transportation needs.

This type of incident can evoke a host of emotions that can be challenging to deal with today and beyond. Whatever feelings you may be having, they are real, and we understand. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help or urge others in need to do so. Students can call the Counseling and Wellness Center 24/7 at 530-898-6345. Faculty and staff can also utilize 24/7 counseling through the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-367-7474 or mylifematters.com (password: csuchico).