Last updated: Jan. 28 at 12:45 p.m.

The fires in Los Angeles County have posed immense challenges for the Bruin community, and we are here to support you in any way we can. We continue to actively follow developments and are ready should the situation evolve. Our community’s safety and wellness is our top priority.

This page provides up-to-date information and resources for the UCLA community. Click a link below to be taken to that section.

UCLA Connects town halls: L.A. fires

UCLA held four virtual town halls from Jan. 13–16 for students, parents and employees to learn more about fire planning, hear from campus leaders and get answers to questions. Watch the recordings here.

We will continue to provide regular updates through the BruinALERT system and Bruins Safe Online and to make updates to this page as they become available. Members of the campus community can send queries about campus fire issues and preparedness to [email protected].  

Inquiries from media outlets should be directed to [email protected]. For media inquiries about UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine, contact [email protected].   

General campus status

How close are the fires to UCLA?

Los Angeles County is updating the path of the Los Angeles–area fires on its Emergency Map. 

Is there any expectation of a campus evacuation?

The campus is no longer adjacent to an evacuation warning zone. If UCLA does become part of an evacuation warning zone or receives an evacuation order, updates and more information will be shared immediately via BruinALERT with our community. Detailed evacuation instructions can be found below.

All campus operational decisions are made based on the best information available and after careful consideration of data available at the time.

Is the campus air quality safe?

UCLA has air-quality sensors in strategic spots around campus to provide real-time assessments of air quality in our immediate vicinity. These sensors offer a more accurate reflection of the air quality on campus than community and city sensors that may sit in other locations across the region. Visit the UCLA AirQual website for details about the local weather and corresponding impacts based on air quality data.

Depending on air quality, you may consider limiting exposure to outside air by closing windows and doors. Wear a highly protective mask if you must go outside for long periods. UCLA is providing N95 masks at residence hall front desks and at the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center.

Are classes in person or remote?

As of Tuesday, Jan. 21, all undergraduate and graduate courses have returned to in-person instruction, as regularly scheduled. 

Members of UCLA’s consortium of schools — the Geffen Academy, the UCLA Lab School and the Early Care and Education Programs — are open. 

UCLA Extension resumed in-person instruction on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Any further modifications to UCLA’s mode of instruction for undergraduate and graduate students will be determined by the Academic Senate, which considers the administration’s recommendation when making the final decision on instructional modality. We will share their updates immediately via BruinALERT with our community.

When will on-campus dining return to normal?

As of Saturday, Jan. 18, campus dining halls have fully reopened.

We will notify students if there are any further changes. Please check the UCLA Dining website or the UCLA Mobile App for the latest schedule.

Are employees working in-person or remotely?

As of Saturday, Jan. 18, in-person work has resumed — though we continue to ask supervisors to be flexible during this challenging period.

Is the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center open and operating?

Yes. See days and hours of operation. Students unable to make a scheduled appointment can call 310-825-4073 or cancel/reschedule their appointment using your Patient Portal. Appointment no-show fees will be waived at this time.

Are UCLA Health facilities open and operating?

UCLA’s hospitals and most clinics are operating normally. Some UCLA clinics throughout the region have been impacted. Affected patients will be contacted with additional information. Patients with questions or seeking to reschedule appointments are encouraged to contact their physician's office or clinic.

Are UCLA residence hall and apartment fronts desks open?

Yes, residence hall and apartment front desks remain open during regular hours of operation and will do so even if UCLA enters an evacuation warning. They will modify operations if UCLA receives a mandatory evacuation order. Staff will be on hand to help direct students in the event of an evacuation.

What resources will you provide for the UCLA community during this time?

We know that many faculty, staff and students are currently struggling with loss, displacement and despair. UCLA is offering housing to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed or who have been evacuated, and can help provide financial and legal assistance and psychological help. For more on what is available, please see the resources section below. 

Emergency procedures

What will happen if UCLA falls under a mandatory evacuation order?

UCLA’s Office of Emergency Management works year-in and year-out to develop procedures to keep Bruins safe during an emergency.

If a mandatory evacuation order is issued during this specific fire emergency:

  • Students 
    Students should report to the nearest rally point to their location. There will be two rally points: Pauley Pavilion concourse for those living on the Hill, and the Tipuana Apartments for those students living in Weyburn and University Apartments North. From those rally points, students will receive transportation to an off-campus location, as well as additional information.
    • Note to off-campus students: Both rally points are also available to students living off campus in Westwood, whether in university-owned housing or in non–university-owned housing. (For those in non–university-owned housing, please fill out the form that was mailed to you.) 
  • Employees
    Managers and supervisors will communicate directly with employees who are currently working on campus regarding evacuation plans. Note: This excludes UCLA Health. Specific instructions will be sent to UCLA Health employees.
  • Researchers and laboratories 
    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. Read more in this message to employees.
  • Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
    As a state-designated essential facility, the medical center has an obligation to maintain clinical operations and follows different protocols than the university campus where it is located.

What if I have mobility issues and cannot evacuate my dorm?

For students who have a disability that requires assistance, including mobility or service animal assistance, please call your building front desk or fill out an emergency assistance form as soon as possible and we will support you.

Can I leave the evacuation location if I find alternative housing?

Yes, students can leave via public transportation, ride share or get picked up from the evacuation location to an alternate housing location. 

Can I bring my car to the evacuation site?

Yes, you may drive yourself to the evacuation site after you meet at one of the rally points for check-in. 

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, we will make arrangements for students coming with pets.

What should I bring with me if we are evacuated?

Please pack essential items into a single bag or suitcase that you can easily carry. Bring identification documentation such as birth certificate, passport, license and/or identification card, medication, devices and chargers.

Will staff be present at the evacuation site? 

UCLA staff will be at the evacuation sites to support students.

When will we be able to return to campus?

Students who are at the evacuation site will be notified once clearance has been given from officials. There will be bus transportation provided back to UCLA at that time.

Can offices be accessed if there is an evacuation? 

Yes. The UCLA Police Department will provide more information if there is an evacuation order.

How can I sign up for emergency alerts from UCLA?

Students are automatically enrolled through information on my.ucla.edu. Please verify your profile information there to make sure you’re getting alerts.

Staff and faculty members are automatically enrolled through information in UCPath. Please verify your information there to make sure you’re getting alerts.

Family members, friends or visitors may sign up for alerts by texting ‘BRUIN ALERT’ to 888-777.

Messages from campus leadership


Chancellor Julio Frenk: Modified campus operations and resumption of in-person instruction 

Video message from Chancellor Julio Frenk

Message from Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Monroe Gorden Jr.:
Supporting UCLA students through our gradual return

Message from Adminstrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Personnel Michael Levine, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Human Resources Lubbe Levin:
Support for employees as UCLA transitions to modified operations

Message from Vice Chancellor for Research and Creative Activities Roger Wakimoto and Adminstrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck:
Research ramp-up update for faculty, graduate students, postdocs and staff


Video message from Chancellor Julio Frenk

Message from Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Monroe Gorden Jr.:
Student support resources and emergency procedure reminders

Message from Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michael Levin and Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Resources Lubbe Levin:
Employee support and resources during wildlife crisis


Message from Lisa Martin, director of the UCLA Office of Emergency Management:
Dealing with dangerous winds and extreme fire risk at UCLA

 

Resources for the campus community


BruinALERT
UCLA’s public alert and warning system is used to distribute emergency notifications to the campus community. A BruinALERT notification is primarily used to notify the UCLA campus community of a dangerous situation and/or immediate threat to their health or safety.

Bruins Safe Online
The latest updates regarding campus operations and emergency statuses will be shared on the BSO website.

Bruins Safe app
This app sends instant notifications and instructions when on-campus emergencies occur, and it allows for contact with campus safety staff for quick help during an emergency or to report a hazard. The app also provides safety resources.

Campus air quality
See UCLA’s AQI dashboard for real-time campus air quality information.

View additional campus safety resources on Bruins Safe Online.

(Fire safety resources: The following information can be helpful in reacting to and preventing fires: fire and Life safety, dorm fire safety and fire extinguisher training and use.)


To see areas requiring evacuation or that have received warnings of potential evacuation, see the following resources:

County of Los Angeles emergency map

Duty Watch

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)


UCLA’s emergency response plans range from shelter-in-place orders to the full evacuation of campus, depending on the situation. If there is a campus evacuation, the fire marshal and UCLA Office of Emergency Management will determine the best course of action and provide guidance via BruinALERT.


EMERGENCY HOUSING THROUGH UCLA

  • Emergency housing for faculty and staff. UCLA Housing is currently prioritizing faculty and staff who have been displaced by the wildfires for emergency housing. Availability is very limited, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist for an available vacancy at one of our UCLA Housing properties, including our new UCLA South Bay complex, please email [email protected] to learn more.
  • 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. Please call 310-794-1600 to inquire about availability. Interested guests are asked to mention that their booking is due to a local wildfire evacuation or home loss and specify their desired location.
  • Faculty on sabbatical. Faculty leaving their homes on sabbatical may offer housing to those who have lost their homes. Reach out to Office of Academic Affairs and Personnel for more information at [email protected].
  • Students: Economic Crisis Response Team. Students who have been displaced by evacuation orders or whose homes have been lost should contact UCLA’s Economic Crisis Response Team at [email protected]. The team will work with students to provide resources, including arranging immediate emergency housing, assisting with transitioning to permanent university-owned housing, providing food vouchers and exploring additional financial assistance options. Please also see the Student in Crisis website.
  • Student Basic Needs UCLA. Support for housing, food, and other essentials is available to you. Visit Basic Needs at the Student Activities Center or call 310-825-5969 for assistance. Students needing immediate assistance can also complete an intake form. Learn more about our offerings at Basic Needs UCLA.

MORE ON EMERGENCY HOUSING IN THE L.A. REGION

  • Master inventory: L.A. wildfires. UCLA has created a master list of resources for wildfire evacuees that includes comprehensive information on housing and shelter, food distribution, clothing donation, financial assistance and other important topics throughout the Los Angeles region.
  • Airbnb and 211 LA. The nonprofit 211 LA — which connects community members and organizations with health, human and social services in Los Angeles — has partnered with Airbnb.com to provide free accommodations for people evacuated as a result of the local wildfires.​​
  • Red Cross shelter finder. This resource from the American Red Cross helps those who have lost their homes or been evacuated find shelter and other services. 
  • Los Angeles County. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Social Services and local governments are coordinating to ensure that individuals and communities impacted by the wildfires have access to shelters and vital services. Please visit this page to see their most current list of shelters.

EMERGENCY ANIMAL CARE

  • Emergency animal shelters. Los Angeles Animal Care and Control has information on shelters for both large and small animals.


UCLA has mental health and well-being resources available to members of the Bruin community who are experiencing loss, distress and anxiety and are in need of assistance during this challenging time.

FOR STUDENTS

  • Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center. The center remains open. See days and hours of operation. Students unable to make a scheduled appointment can call 310-825-4073 or cancel/reschedule their appointment using your Patient Portal. Appointment no-show fees will be waived at this time.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS staff are here to support your mental health needs and provide you with practical coping advice. Counselors are available 24/7 at 310-825-0768. Visit CAPS for more resources. Students can also access this comprehensive resource directory.
  • Case Management Services. If you are feeling distressed and are coping with multiple needs such as academic concerns, financial crisis, health and well-being, relationship dynamics, or other stressors, you may consider working with our Case Management Services.
  • RISE Center. Offering workshops and spaces to process and heal. Learn more about RISE Center current event offerings.
  • Be Well Bruin. As a Bruin, you have access to a range of health and wellness services, from exceptional medical care and counseling to recreational activities, safety resources, peer advocacy, and more. Visit Be Well Bruin.
  • UCLA Health hospitals. UCLA’s hospitals are continuing to operate normally and treat patients. For updates on status, visit UCLA Health.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

  • Faculty Staff and Counseling Center. Employees can contact the center at 310-794-0245 for support in coping with the impact of these emergencies.
  • UCLA Health hospitals. UCLA’s hospitals are continuing to operate normally and treat patients. For updates on status, visit UCLA Health.

FOR THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

UCLA’s Healthy Campus Initiative has provided the tips below on how you can take care of yourself and your family during this challenging time. Further resources from the center are available here.

  • Be sure you and your family are safe
  • Reach out to others, if you are able, to check in on them
  • Reduce trauma exposure — limit news consumption to what you need to know
  • Minimize smoke exposure
  • Find activities that distract and bring comfort
  • Remember your humanity — it's okay to cry
  • Comparative suffering isn't helpful — everyone is hurting
  • Hold onto hope — through disaster is born innovation and creative leadership, and stronger community ties

Families and children dealing with the trauma of wildfires. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and others have developed 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. Among them are:


Many students are struggling with loss and displacement, and we are all trying to care for those around us. This disaster has touched everyone in the Bruin community. We want to be as supportive as possible. Below are resources that can help.

HOUSING, FINANCIAL AND BASIC NEEDS RESOURCES

  • Economic Crisis Response Team. Students who have been displaced by evacuation orders or whose homes have been lost should contact UCLA’s Economic Crisis Response Team at [email protected]. The team will work with students to provide resources, including arranging immediate emergency housing, assisting with transitioning to permanent university-owned housing, providing food vouchers and exploring additional financial assistance options. Please also see the Student in Crisis website.
  • Basic Needs UCLA. Support for housing, food, and other essentials is available to you. Visit Basic Needs at the Student Activities Center or call 310-825-5969 for assistance. Students needing immediate assistance can also complete an intake form. Learn more about our offerings at Basic Needs UCLA.
  • Financial aid. If your family’s ability to contribute towards your educational costs has been impacted and you would like to speak with a financial aid counselor about how financial aid can help, please contact us using the MyUCLA Message Center or call Financial Aid and Scholarships at 310-206-0400.
  • Student Legal Services. Student Legal Services is available to offer legal advice on contract review, filing insurance claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and many more. Please reach out to the office at 310-825-9894 or [email protected] to meet with one of our attorneys.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

  • Academic support. If you need support in navigating communications with faculty, contact the dean-on-call at 310-825-3871 or at [email protected].
  • Center for Accessible Education. Students registered with the center can access tailored support as they navigate this transition. Please contact your CAE counselor or visit CAE’s website for guidance on accommodations, academic resources, and support services. Your success remains our priority, and CAE staff are here to advocate for and assist you during this time.
  • Office of the Dean of Students. If you have additional questions, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (310) 825-3871 or [email protected].

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.
  • Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds. UCLA has launched the Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds — including a specific fund for students — to provide a broad array of support, including emergency housing, meal vouchers and other help.
  • The UCLA Volunteer Center to currently connecting Bruins with a wide array ongoing relief efforts in the community. 
  • The UCLA Staff and Faculty Counseling Center has put together a wildfire resources guide (PDF) that includes information on accessing both federal and state disaster assistance, coping with trauma, and other important topics.
  • The Office of the California Governor has launched a 2025 Los Angeles fires website with resources to support wildfire survivors and information on how to apply for federal assistance.


Many faculty and staff are struggling with loss and displacement, and we are all trying to care for those around us. This disaster has touched everyone in the Bruin community. We want to be as supportive as possible. Below are resources that can help.

GENERAL RESOURCES

  • UCLA Campus Human Resources. For detailed updates on resources available to employees, check the Campus Human Resources fire-related resources webpage. ​​​​​​
  • UCLA Employee and Labor Relations. Campus employees impacted by the wildfires may contact UCLA Employee & Labor Relations at [email protected] or 310-794-0860 with any questions.

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE

  • Emergency housing. UCLA Housing is currently prioritizing faculty and staff who have been displaced by the wildfires for emergency housing. Availability is very limited, but if you would like to be added to the waitlist for an available vacancy at one of our UCLA Housing properties, including our new UCLA South Bay complex, please email [email protected] to learn more.
  • 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. Please call 310-794-1600 to inquire about availability. Interested guests are asked to mention that their booking is due to a local wildfire evacuation or home loss and specify their desired location.
  • Faculty on sabbatical. Faculty leaving their homes on sabbatical may offer housing to those who have lost their homes. Reach out to Office of Academic Affairs and Personnel for more information at [email protected].

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  • Emergency loans and financial assistance. Employees in need of financial support can access emergency loans and hardship withdrawals through the UC 403(b) plan. Those employees ineligible for a loan may be able to take a hardship withdrawal. For loans and hardship withdrawals, plan participants shoudl contact Fidelity at 1-866-682-7787or log in on their website.
  • Emergency resources from UC’s benefit plan. If UC employees need extra assistance during a natural disaster or another emergency, they can contact their plan directly. Customer service representatives will do their best to offer the help you need as quickly as possible.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

  • 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. These services will be available until March 31, 2025. Coverage includes the following:
    • Support from immediate-access phone attorneys offering advice and consultation (e.g., an employee whose home was destroyed needs advice on what questions to ask their mortgage company) 
    • Document preparation and review (e.g., an employee whose rental property was damaged needs an attorney to review their lease agreement to identify their landlord’s obligations)

      Additionally, ARAG has created this website with tips, resources, and a guidebook to help employees with legal and financial issues they may have to deal with after a wildfire.

      If you have questions regarding ARAG, please contact Oletha Brown ([email protected]) at Campus Human Resources.
  • Filing a claim. UCLA has provided a guide to help those who have lost their homes navigate the process of filing a claim with their insurance company. 

LEAVE OPTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES

  • Emergency paid administrative leave. For employees who have been impacted by the fires and are unable to come to work or work remotely, administrative leave with pay may be available. In consultation with Campus Human Resources or UCLA Health Human Resources, organization heads may approve up to two days of administrative leave with pay and request authorization for additional leave as needed to address situations in which staff are unable to report to work due to a natural disaster or emergency.

    Departments also have discretion to allow employees who are unable to work as a result of the fires to use their accrued vacation, compensatory time off, or leave without pay. These options may also be made available to employees who volunteer for or are asked to participate in emergency response activities, such as volunteer firefighters. Employees called to active duty for emergency National Guard service leave may be eligible to receive their regular pay in accordance with section E of PPSM-2.210: Absence from Work.
  • 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. To support their colleagues during this challenging time, UCLA employees may donate accrued vacation hours either to the Campus Central Catastrophic Leave Bank or to individual qualified staff members. Contributions can make a meaningful difference to colleagues in need.

    Under normal circumstances, employees are permitted to donate either 50% of their vacation balance or 80 hours — whichever is less — in a 12-month period. However, in light of the devastating impact of the fires, employees may now donate any number of vacation hours, provided they maintain a minimum balance of 80 hours in their personal vacation banks.​​​​​​

    Eligible employees may receive up to 160 hours of catastrophic leave in a 12-month period, up to 80 hours of which may come from the Central Bank.

    The following employees are eligible to participate in the UCLA Catastrophic Leave Program:
    • Policy-covered employees
    • Represented employees in the following units CX, DX, EX, HX, LX, NX, PA, RX, SX, TX, and K4
    • Academic personnel — in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the wildfires, academic personnel who accrue vacation leave may participate in the program, either by donating or receiving catastrophic leave hours. ​​

      ​​​Questions regarding catastrophic leave can be directed to Dyanna De Alba ([email protected]) or David Jenkins ([email protected]) at Campus Human Resources.

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.
  • Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds. UCLA has launched the Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds — including a specific fund for students — to provide a broad array of support, including emergency housing, meal vouchers and other help.
  • The UCLA Volunteer Center to currently connecting Bruins with a wide array ongoing relief efforts in the community. 
  • The UCLA Staff and Faculty Counseling Center has put together a wildfire resources guide (PDF) that includes information on accessing both federal and state disaster assistance, coping with trauma, and other important topics.
  • The Office of the California Governor has launched a 2025 Los Angeles fires website with resources to support wildfire survivors and information on how to apply for federal assistance.


Teaching resources. UCLA Teaching and Learning Center guides on maintaining instructional continuity offer insight on managing a learning environment during this challenging time, including Zoom guidelines and best practices for online instruction. The center also provides resources to support the well-being of instructors. 

The Bruin Learn Center of Excellence, assisted by instructional designers from the Teaching and Learning Center, is extending its office hours to help instructors pivot to online instruction.