Los Angeles is currently on the radar for the devastating wildfires that have ensued in widespread evacuations and disruptions throughout the region. As the flames continue to threaten lives and property, UCLA has taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its community.
In an email to students, faculty and staff, Chancellor Julio Frenk expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the disaster. “The first week of classes is typically a joyous occasion,” Chancellor Frenk noted. The wildfires have resulted in numerous fatalities in the Los Angeles area, with homes and neighborhoods engulfed in flames. Over 130,000 residents have been evacuated, causing significant distress. Recognizing how precarious the situation is, UCLA decided to cancel undergraduate classes and shift graduate courses to remote instruction for Thursday, Jan. 9 and Friday, Jan. 10 as a precautionary measure. Similarly, week two classes through Friday Jan. 17 are now scheduled to be held online for both undergraduates and graduates, and all employees are being asked to work remotely too. Although there is no immediate fire danger to the campus, deteriorating air quality and turbulent winds seem to be a potential cause for concern. As of Jan. 10, evacuation warnings have been issued to the zone adjacent to UCLA due to the Palisades Fire and Bruins have been asked to be prepared to evacuate.
Other institutions in the area are also taking precautions. Caltech shut down its Pasadena campus because of the nearby Eaton Fire for multiple days last week, while Pepperdine University closed its campuses in Calabasas and Malibu, and continues to hold a majority of classes on the Malibu campus remotely through Sunday Jan. 19 as a result of the Palisades Fire, which has already burned over 23,000 acres since its outbreak on Tuesday morning.
In addition to class cancellations, UCLA is extending its support by providing operational healthcare facilities, supporting evacuees at the Luskin Conference Center and providing a way to work remotely for all UCLA employees.
Chancellor Frenk expressed gratitude to the teams supporting the community and highlighted available resources for those in need. Similarly, for ongoing updates and resources, members of the UCLA community are encouraged to stay informed through official university communications like BruinALERT.
—
Featured Image Photographed by Leydi Cris Cobo Cordon, Daily Bruin
