UCLA to Restart In-Person Classes Amid Improving Weather Forecasts
University Officials Announce Resumption of In-Person Classes
UCLA, located just outside Palisades fire evacuation and warning zones, will resume in-person classes Tuesday amid improving weather forecasts and fire containment, university officials announced Thursday.
Red Flag Warning Lifted, Air Quality Remains Safe
“Yesterday evening, the red flag warning that was in effect for our area was lifted, which means the current weather conditions have shifted in our favor,” UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk said in an online announcement. “We are optimistic about how things are trending: emergency responders are making progress in combating the fires, wind speed is diminishing and projections show continued safer air quality on campus.”
Remote Classes Canceled Last Thursday
The university switched to remote classes last Thursday as a precaution after the Palisades fire could be seen from campus and mandatory evacuation and evacuation warning zones touched the UCLA border.
Most Students Left Campus Last Week
The university was never under mandatory evacuation or in an evacuation warning zone. Administrators have also said that, while smoky conditions were briefly reported by students on campus in the middle of last week, air quality measured by five on-campus monitors has remained within safe levels. Still, the vast majority of the 22,000 on-campus students left late last week.
Administrators Remind Students of Vigilance
Frenk and administrators said that while they are confident the campus is ready to shift back to normal operations, they are still on alert.
Conditions Could Shift Again
“Should conditions shift, we will revisit our plans,” Frenk said. “We are not letting our guard down. We will remain vigilant and communicate promptly with you with any important changes.”
Students Leave Campus
Over the weekend, remaining students could be seen on “The Hill,” the northwest campus dorm area, packing their bags into bright yellow moving carts and placing luggage in Lyfts and Ubers. Many went to stay with relatives, friends or took flights home in and out of state.
Student Concerns
Elliott Cho, a senior, said while moving out Sunday that he was leaving because “it’s not safe to be here because of the air quality.” Several undergraduates on campus reported seeing ash around their dorm buildings and smoke inside residence halls early last week before conditions cleared up as the week ended.
University Preparations
During virtual town halls this week, Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael J. Beck said that roughly 900 students remained on campus and that the university was ready to evacuate them if necessary — but that the prospect looked unlikely.
FEMA Recovery Center
The university has donated the use of its UCLA Research Park, the site of the former Westside Pavillion mall, to the federal government for FEMA use. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will temporarily operate the recovery center, which is offering aid to fire victims and evacuees to help them retrieve documents, file insurance claims and access federal assistance, social services, mental health and other needs.
Conclusion
The University of California is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for its students. As the situation continues to evolve, the university will remain vigilant and adapt to changing conditions.
FAQs
Q: Why did UCLA switch to remote classes last Thursday?
A: The university switched to remote classes as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of the Palisades fire to campus and the potential for poor air quality.
Q: How many students remained on campus over the weekend?
A: Roughly 900 students remained on campus over the weekend.
Q: What is the current air quality like on campus?
A: Air quality on campus has remained within safe levels, according to five on-campus monitors.
Q: Will the university evacuate students if necessary?
A: Yes, the university is prepared to evacuate students if necessary, but the prospect looked unlikely as of Thursday.
