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California Institute of the Arts

January 8, 2025

Campus Alert: Fire and Wind Impacts for CalArts

This page will be updated for the CalArts community.

Evacuation Information

The closest fire to CalArts is the Hurst Fire—it is approximately 10 miles southeast of campus along the 210 freeway.


In the event of an emergency evacuation for the CalArts campus, CalArts will be notified by local authorities well in advance of the actual evacuation time and date, and placed on standby. If that occurs, we post and send that information immediately to students, faculty and staff.

This email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 9 at 1 pm.

[Update 5] Fire and Wind Impacts/Daily Operations Update for Jan. 9

Dear CalArtians, 

I hope you are all doing as well as possible during this unprecedented time. I wanted to provide an update on the status of CalArts operations as we navigate through the current fire and wind events.

As of today (Thursday, Jan. 9), the CalArts Campus remains safe, open and operational. CalArts’ current evacuation status is “normal,” which means there are no evacuation warnings or orders in effect for the campus. There are still Red Flag Warnings (critical fire weather conditions) in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 6 pm on Friday, and Campus Safety is continually monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up-to-the-minute information on fire evacuations. 

Because of the wind and ongoing fires, power outages and traffic issues throughout Los Angeles, we strongly recommend that students, staff, and faculty work remotely through Friday. Please do not jeopardize your safety unnecessarily trying to get to campus. 

At this time, we also anticipate classes starting on Monday (Jan. 13) as scheduled. Residential students who are planning to return to campus this weekend, please stay up-to-date by checking the CalArts website and your email for the latest information. Students, also keep an eye out later today for an email from Provost Tracie Costantino and VP of Student Affairs Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht on the upcoming Winter Session and classes. If circumstances prevent you from returning to campus, please email studentaffairs@calarts.edu.

CalArts administration is currently assessing our community’s needs and is considering various scenarios if the fire and extreme wind conditions continue. We’ll provide updates as soon as the information becomes available. In the meantime, we are collecting resources available to community members affected by the fires and will post those on the CalArts website later today. [Download PDF for initial resources] 

Should you have questions about campus operations, Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time. Please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702. 


Take care,

Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management

This email was sent to the CalArts community on Jan. 8 at 2:45 pm.

[Update 4] Wind and Fire / CalArts Operations Updates for Jan. 8

Los Angeles and our community are in the midst of a tough time. CalArts Facilities Development and Management staff continue to work onsite and remotely to monitor the fire and wind warnings. Going forward, we will provide these daily email updates on CalArts’ operations, which will also be posted to the CalArts website. Campus Safety and Facilities personnel are on duty and available throughout this time; should you need their assistance, please contact Campus Safety at 661-222-2702.

As of today (Wednesday, Jan. 8), the CalArts Campus remains open. CalArts’ current evacuation status is “normal,” which means there are no evacuation warnings or orders in effect for the campus. Campus Safety is monitoring the Genasys Protect website, which provides up- to-the-minute evacuation information.  

In the event of an emergency evacuation for campus (designated the SCL-Meadows zone), we will be notified by local authorities well in advance of the actual evacuation protocols, timeline, date, and placed on standby notification. If that occurs, we will post that information on our website and send communications immediately to students, faculty and staff.

Working remotely for staff and faculty is highly recommended through Friday. At this time, we also anticipate classes starting on Monday (Jan. 13) as scheduled. Residential students who are planning to return to campus this weekend, please stay up-to-date by checking the CalArts website and your email for the latest information. If circumstances prevent you from returning to campus, please email studentaffairs@calarts.edu.

Please do not jeopardize your safety unnecessarily trying to get to campus. As President Rajan stated earlier, make the safety of yourselves and those you love and care about your number one priority. 

We are also compiling a list of links for community information resources and will be adding information to the CalArts website.

Warmest,

Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management

This message was sent to the community from CalArts President Ravi Rajan on Jan. 8 at 10:45 am.

[Update 3] Los Angeles Fires

Dear CalArtians:

Last night was a very long and frightening night for many in our community, as several major fires emerged or expanded across our region.

Please, everyone, make the safety of yourselves and those you love and care about your number one priority. Let’s also make supporting each other our collective priority.

Many members of our community have had to evacuate their homes. Many more do not have power. Some have lost property and belongings. For the days and weeks to come, it will be important for all of us to prioritize the social and emotional strength of our community, finding ways to be with and support each other.

The physical campus is fully open, and will remain so as long as it is safe. I’m grateful to our essential personnel who are here caring for our campus; our faculty, staff, and students; and our VCFA colleagues who are here for their residency. Some members of our community are coming to campus for both emotional and physical safety, and CalArts will remain a place for that function as we get through the next few days. That said, if you do not feel safe making the trip to campus, please do not imperil yourself in an attempt to get here.  Let’s use our resources in terms of digital communications and the like to ensure that everyone can be in touch and remain safe.

As we navigate this, I know that the strength of this community will be seen in the care with which we engage and support each other in the coming days. Thank you all for what you have already done, and will do going forward, to care for one another in the days ahead.

Please watch for further updates on this changing situation later this afternoon from Troy Allen, our VP for Facilities Development and Management.

Take care,

Ravi Rajan
President

This message was sent to the community from Troy Allen, VP for Facilities Development and Management on Jan. 8 at 9 am.

Update 2: High Wind and Fire Warnings Issued for Los Angeles Area; Working Remotely Strongly Recommended

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the Los Angeles area, which began Tuesday, Jan. 7 and continuing through today, Jan. 8 at 6 pm. Red flag and fire weather warnings have been extended.

Because of the sustained wind and fire damage, power outages, road closures, and evacuations happening across the Los Angeles area, the Facilities Management team strongly suggests that all students, staff, and faculty stay home, if possible, and discuss remote work options with your supervisor.

We will be sending additional updates later today. Please be stay safe. 

Additional information:

Troy Allen
VP for Facilities Development and Management

This message was sent to the community on Jan. 7 at 6 pm

Update: High Wind Warnings Issued for Los Angeles Area; Working Remotely Recommended

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the Los Angeles area, which began today (Tuesday, Jan. 7) at 10 am, continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6 pm. North to northeast winds of 30 to 50 mph with widespread gusts between 60 and 80 mph are expected. The Facilities team will be monitoring for any potential wind issues, and essential workers will be on campus tomorrow. CalArts recommends that all students, staff, and faculty consult with their immediate supervisors to decide on possible remote work options tomorrow (Wednesday).

Please use caution if driving on the roads and freeways, particularly when near high profile vehicles. If you need to come to campus this evening or tomorrow, Campus Safety recommends that you do not park under trees as car damage may be possible. 

Additional information: