Wildfire
Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe across the globe, a trend driven by several interconnected factors. Rising global temperatures caused by climate change are extending the length of fire seasons, while prolonged droughts and reduced rainfall leave vegetation drier and more flammable. Land-use changes, including deforestation, can alter natural firebreaks and ecosystem resilience, and the hot, dry summers typical of California create ideal conditions for large and fast-moving wildfires.
Wildfire Risk in the Bay Area
While Stanford’s main campus is not located in a heavily forested zone, it is close to grasslands, foothills, and wooded regions.Some of Stanford’s annex facilities located in the East Bay have proximity to grasslands and forested areas, where fires can ignite and spread rapidly. Even if flames never reach campus, these fires can create secondary hazards, such as severe smoke impacts, road closures, power outages, and other disruptions to university operations.
Local wildfire risk peaks in late summer through early fall, when dry vegetation and offshore flow can push embers and flames over long distances. These winds, combined with warm temperatures and low humidity, have the potential to turn a small fire into a large-scale emergency in a matter of hours.
Be Prepared
You do not have to wait for an official evacuation order to leave — if conditions feel unsafe, evacuating early is the safer choice. Preparation involves knowing your evacuation zone, signing up for alerts, understanding county terminology, and keeping a go-bag ready.
Know Your County Evacuation Zone
Stanford University spans multiple county jurisdictions. Both Santa Clara County and San Mateo County use the Genasys Protect system (formerly ZoneHaven) to divide regions into specific evacuation zones.
Knowing your zone is essential because alerts and evacuation instructions are issued by zone number. Your home, workplace, and classrooms may each be in different zones.
- Find your zone: Visit Genasys Protect and enter your address.
- The WPEG (Wildfire Preparedness & Evacuation Guide) (WPEG) contains detailed maps of zones that include Stanford buildings and facilities.
Sign Up for Alerts
To receive timely and accurate emergency alerts, sign up for all applicable systems:
- Santa Clara County – AlertSCC: Register here to receive urgent local alerts by text, voice, or email.
- San Mateo County – SMC Alert: Sign up here for emergency notifications in all San Mateo cities and towns.
- Alameda County – AC Alert: Click here to learn more information about local alerts for Alameda County.
- Stanford – AlertSU: All students, faculty, and staff with a SUNet ID are automatically enrolled, but confirm your contact details at AlertSU. Non-affiliates can download the Stanford Mobile app to receive notifications.
- Watch Duty App: Provides real-time wildfire mapping and status updates from trained responders, though it does not replace official alerts.
Understanding Emergency Terminology
During an emergency, you may see the following terms used by local news, emergency responders, and law enforcement:
- Watch: There is an increased possibility of a potential threat to life or property, and individuals should continue checking the news and be aware in case conditions worsen.
- Evacuation Warning: There is a potential threat to life or property. Those who need extra time or must move animals should leave early.
- Evacuation Order: There is an immediate threat to life. Leave now — the area is closed to public access.
- Shelter in Place: Go indoors, close windows and doors, and prepare to remain until told it is safe.
- Hard Road Closure: Only fire and law enforcement can enter.
- Soft Road Closure: Restricted to emergency resources and authorized personnel.
Go-Bag Essentials
A ready-to-go kit can make a big difference in an emergency. Keep it in an accessible location and update it seasonally. At a minimum, your kit should have:
- Government-issued ID and important documents in a waterproof bag (or plastic bag, like a Ziploc)
- Prescription medications and first-aid supplies you may need
- Mobile phone charger, and/or backup battery pack
- Bottled water (minimum 1 liter) and non-perishable snacks
- Change of clothing, sturdy shoes, and a warm layer
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries (keep batteries in a dry, separate bag when not in use)
- N95 or similar mask for smoke protection
- Emergency cash and a list of important contacts
- Spare keys for home, car, and/or dorm room
- Pet supplies if applicable (carrier, leash, food, water)
Stanford and CAL FIRE recommend packing enough supplies to last at least 72 hours.
Power Outage Preparedness During Wildfires
Wildfires often cause planned or unplanned power shutoffs.
Stanford’s electricity provider is Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), and they monitor wildfire conditions around the clock. Severe weather, such as high winds, can cause damage to electrical equipment. If there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire. Occasionally PG&E chooses to shut off power to keep their equipment and surrounding community safe. This temporary outage is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Prepare if conditions are not looking good, and a PSPS may be imminent:
- Know how to open garage doors and gates manually
- Learn how to safely shut off electricity, water, and gas
- Keep your vehicle at least half full of fuel
- Store extra batteries and flashlights
- Have a family plan for nighttime evacuation, with shoes by your bed
- Use generators safely to prevent injury and avoid endangering utility workers
If the power goes out:
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food
- Stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines
- Monitor updates via a battery-powered radio or phone
For Stanford Campus Residents
If the county issues an evacuation order, leave immediately if it is safe to do so. If you cannot evacuate, follow instructions sent through AlertSU to shelter in place at a designated campus location.
If you are a residential leaseholder, consider home hardening steps such as clearing defensible space around your residence and using fire-resistant materials. CAL FIRE’s Ready, Set, Go! offers step-by-step guidance.
Stanford’s Wildfire Resilience Efforts
Stanford actively invests in prevention and response measures, including:
- Installing early wildfire detection sensors
- Removing hazardous vegetation near evacuation routes
- Conducting controlled burns and vegetation management in areas like Jasper Ridge
- Testing new fire mitigation technology such as the BurnBot
- Treating over 1,000 acres of land since 2021
- Partnering with local fire agencies and community organizations
