Camp Fire Evacuations

UPDATE: 5:40 p.m., November 9, 2018

After significant and careful consideration of many factors, including fire conditions, air quality, and impacts to our faculty, staff, and students, classes are suspended until Monday, November 26, following the fall break.

While the campus continues to remain safe from the fire and no evacuation warnings for our area have been issued, campus operations also will remain closed to faculty, staff, and student employees through Friday, November 16, except for essential personnel. During closure, emergency campus closure leave shall be granted to all employees who were scheduled to work. Students living in the residence halls who choose to remain on campus will have instruction from University Housing and receive an email with pertinent information. All students who remain in Chico should look to their email for programming that will be available to them during this time.

Faculty, staff, and management who cannot return to campus after November 16 need to notify their supervisors and/or deans, who can also answer questions about the campus closure.

Please continue to check email throughout the break for updates and information. Also be on the lookout for a survey we will be sending to all University community members via email that will help us learn more about how we might help people recover from this unprecedented disaster. Academic Affairs will be providing follow-up information to instructors as soon as possible that will address schedule disruption, learning outcomes, and related details.

Air quality has degraded, and we expect that to continue in the coming days. Campus community members who stay in the Chico area should try to remain indoors with filtered air or use an N95 mask. For the latest road conditions and fire status, visit the Cal Fire incident page.

During your time away from campus, please check in with one another, and as you are able to, consider helping others. We know our students, faculty, and staff have been severely impacted by the fire, many have been displaced, and others are supporting loved ones who were impacted. We look forward to sharing details with how we will support affected members of our Wildcat community as Butte County recovers from this tragedy.

Counseling services will continue to be available. 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).

We all need the support and the empathy that always have made our University and the North State a strong and a caring community—one that will grow even stronger as we help our family members, friends, neighbors, and one another rebuild in the months and years to come. 

I thank each one of you for the grace, strength, and compassion you have shown one another during this difficult time. I have never been more proud to be part of the Chico State community.

UPDATE: 11:30 a.m., November 9, 2018

Due to smoke from the nearby Camp Fire, Chico air quality has been compromised. Air quality is currently in the “Moderate” range and is expected to worsen into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range.

The University has a limited supply of N95 masks. They will be provided for free to students, faculty, and staff who identify as "sensitive populations," which is anyone with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues that are under the treatment of a physicians. The air quality as of now remains “Moderate,” and those concerned should do their best to remain indoors and avoid strenuous activity.

Staff and students may obtain masks at the Information Center on the corner of West Second Street and Normal Avenue until noon. Students living on campus may get their masks from their residence halls. Please have your campus ID.

If you’re unsure about the air quality in your area, you can monitor it at AirNow.gov.

UPDATE: 9 a.m., November 9, 2018

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 cancelled 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. 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 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, visitwww.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).

UPDATE: 6:10 a.m., November 9, 2018

UPDATE: 5:05 p.m., November 8, 2018

As we continue to learn of the devastation in our neighboring communities, our hearts go out to all who are affected. The University will be closed tomorrow, Friday, November 9, out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of the impact on our students, faculty, and staff. Residence halls and Sutter Dining will continue to operate. Friday will be a nonwork day for nonessential employees, and emergency campus closure leave shall be granted to all employees who are scheduled to work. Additional information will be forthcoming about events, essential staff, and payroll distribution. We also will continue to post updates online.

We know our Wildcat community is one defined by our compassion and care for one another, and we thank all of you who are taking care of one another in this difficult time. For those looking to support fire victims, the North Valley Community Foundation has activated a Camp Fire Evacuation Relief Fund to support evacuees. The Caring Choices Emergency Volunteer Center is accepting applications from interested volunteers. Additionally, 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, you can access that program here.

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.

The safety and well-being of our campus community will always be our first priority. Please know our thoughts are with you.

UPDATE: 2:45 p.m., November 8, 2018

Campus is safe, and there are no evacuation orders in the City of Chico. However, classes have been suspended for the remainder of today due to impacts to campus staffing. Campus remains open. Classes are expected to resume tomorrow, November 9. We will notify you if there is a change. Employees should check email for additional information.

UPDATE: 2 p.m. November 8, 2018

The University continues to closely monitor the Camp Fire, which broke out this morning near the town of Paradise, 15 miles east of Chico.

We are in close communication with our emergency partners and planning for all scenarios, including if we need to close or evacuate, and how to support students with transportation needs. However, there are no evacuation warnings or orders for the Chico area at this time. We will communicate early and often via the Chico State Alerts system, @ChicoState on Twitter, and this website should the situation change.

Your safety will always be our first priority and please trust that we are operating with an overabundance of caution. We are following our emergency protocols to communicate with students, respond to this rapidly evolving situation, and prepare for any additional needs. We are posting updates on the impact to campus online here as we have them.

UPDATE: 11:55 a.m. November 8, 2018

The University is following state and federal emergency protocols for disaster response. At this time, the Red Cross has not requested activation of a shelter at Chico State. We are ready to respond if asked to do so. All those in need of shelter should utilize one of the official shelters:

• Oroville Nazarene Church at 2238 Monte Vista Ave.
• Neighborhood Church in Chico at 2801 Notre Dame Blvd.
• Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley at 199 E Hazel Street
• Small animals may be evacuated to the Old County Hospital at 2279 Del Oro, Suite E in Oroville.
• Evacuated large animals can be taken to the Butte County Fairground at 199 E. Hazel Street in Gridley.

The latest evacuation and shelter information will be posted on the Butte County Twitter account.

UPDATE: 11:15 a.m. November 8, 2018

To: Campus Community
From: President Gayle Hutchinson

The University is closely monitoring the Camp Fire. The situation is rapidly evolving, and we are working to provide support to all those affected. For official evacuation, shelter, and other information, please visit Butte County on Twitter.

Campus is safe and remains open, with classes in session. We are posting updates regarding the impact to campus as we have them on the University website. If you are not receiving Chico State Alerts, visit www.csuchico.edu/alerts to ensure you are signed up with current contact information.

Students should attend class only if they feel comfortable doing so, and communicate with faculty when they can about any absences. All faculty should use discretion in choosing whether to hold classes. We encourage all faculty to exercise flexibility in attendance policies and due dates for coursework and exams. Supervisors have been asked to be empathetic with student workers, and express similar leniency. Employees should work with their supervisors if you need to leave or cannot reach campus.

Affected students, faculty, and staff can go to BMU 210 for information and assistance. An evacuation shelter has been set up at Oroville Nazarene Church, 2238 Monte Vista Ave. The Neighborhood Church in Chico at 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. is also open to evacuees. Small animals evacuated due to the Camp Fire can be taken to the Old County Hospital at 2279 Del Oro, Suite E in Oroville. Evacuated large animals can be taken to the Butte County Fairground at 199 E. Hazel Street in Gridley.

Currently, air quality in Chico is between “Good” and “Moderate.” You can monitor current conditions at airnow.gov. While on campus, the best air quality is inside buildings due to their air filters. If you are among the sensitive population or otherwise susceptible to particulates, please limit your time outdoors.

Please check in with one another to offer support, and check your email regularly for updates.

UPDATE: 10:35 a.m. November 8, 2018

As the Camp Fire east of Chico continues to burn, the impacts to air quality in our area will fluctuate. Currently the air quality is between “Good” and “Moderate.” You can monitor current conditions at airnow.gov. While on campus, the best air quality is inside buildings due to their air filters. If you are among the sensitive population or otherwise susceptible to particulates, please limit your time outdoors.

UPDATE: 10:20 a.m. November 8, 2018

Affected students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to go to BMU 210 after 11 a.m. for information and assistance. We encourage the campus community to reach out to each other through all available means to provide support. We will continue to update as information is available.

An evacuation shelter has been set up at Oroville Nazarene Church, 2238 Monte Vista Ave. The Neighborhood Church in Chico at 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. is also open to evacuees.

Small animals evacuated due to the Camp Fire can be taken to the Old County Hospital at 2279 Del Oro and Mono, Suite E in Oroville.

UPDATE: 9:30 a.m. November 8, 2018

Additional areas in the Town of Paradise are under mandatory evacuation. Please refer to Butte County Sheriff for the latest information: https://www.facebook.com/bcsonews/ 

Town of Paradise evacuation map (JPG)

UPDATE: 9 a.m. November 8, 2018

To: Campus Community
From: Environmental Health and Safety

The University is closely monitoring the Camp Fire, which started near the community of Pulga in the Feather River canyon. With high winds, it is growing quickly and multiple mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents in and around Paradise. Any faculty, staff, or students who live in the area should not hesitate if they need to evacuate. Use caution and drive carefully. Please note that Skyway is being closed at Bruce Road to traffic into Paradise.

Employees should work with your supervisors if you need to leave or cannot reach campus. Students should contact faculty at their convenience. All residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared as conditions can rapidly change. For evacuation information, the Town of Paradise Call Center is open at 530-872-5951 and Butte County Sheriff’s Department is posting updates on Facebook. An evacuee shelter has opened at the Church of Nazarene in Oroville, at 2238 Monte Vista Ave.

Campus remains open. The University will continue to accommodate and support affected faculty, staff, students and their families. We are closely monitoring the situation in partnership with our regional emergency service partners, and will work with the Red Cross should a shelter need to be opened on campus.