Fires

To: The Caltech Community
From:  Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics

The Eaton, Palisades, and Hurst fires are impacting members of our community to devastating effect as they continue to burn in and around Pasadena and the Greater Los Angeles areas. I want to make sure that you know that Caltech stands ready to help as best as we can and to make sure that you have the information available to protect your safety and well-being.

While neither the campus nor JPL have been affected directly by flames as of this writing, we know that hundreds of colleagues, friends, and family members are under mandatory evacuation orders and that, for some, homes have been lost. We expect significant impact to our community in the hours and days ahead, and we have a variety of support services available.

No injuries have been reported on campus where power is on, students are safe, and students and essential personnel have access to food, water, masks, and other safety items. We are closely monitoring air quality and wind damage, clearing downed trees, and installing charcoal filters in buildings. We have developed back-up plans in case an evacuation is mandated.

To those of you who live in fire-impacted areas, please keep apprised of evacuation orders and other guidance from local authorities. Campus updates are being distributed via the Caltech Alerts system and are posted online at caltech.edu/emergency.

In this time of hardship, loss, and uncertainty, I know that we can depend on the collegiality, caring, and resilience of our community. Thank you for all that you do for Caltech.