Oakland, CA – PG&E has announced that due to forecasted strong, dry, gusty winds and extreme fire danger, it plans to proactively turn off power and implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). PG&E has notified Alameda County that the anticipated power shutoff will begin at 12 noon tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, not 12 midnight tonight as originally announced.
The decision to turn off power, and the speed at which it is restored, is planned and managed solely by PG&E. The City of Oakland is ready to respond to high fire danger and the effects of the power shutoff. PG&E is providing information on their website and through media releases at pge.com.
PG&E to Open Community Resource Centers
PG&E will open a total of 28 Community Resource Centers in the counties being affected by the shutdown beginning on Wednesday, October 9, at 8 a.m. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only. Restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 will be available at the facilities. The resource center for Alameda County is at Merritt College in Oakland, located at 12500 Campus Dr., Oakland, CA 94619.
City Facility Closures & Restrictions
City buildings and programs will be open unless otherwise noted below. As the power shutoff begins tomorrow, City staff will assess the impacts and make any changes necessary to maintain public safety.
Park Closures
Joaquin Miller Park is closed to the public on Red Flag days. Signs will be posted at all park entrances and trails regarding the closure.
Recreation Center Closures
The following facilities will be closed until facility power is restored and the Red Flag Waring is lifted:
- Dimond Recreation Center & Lions Pool
- East Oakland Sports Center
- Redwood Heights Recreation Center
- Sheffield Village Recreation Center
- Montclair Recreation Center
- Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate
- Joaquin Miller Community Center
- Leona Lodge
- Sequoia Lodge
Key Phone Numbers for Assistance
- Only call 911 for life-threatening situations requiring immediate attention
- Call 311 for City maintenance issues such as a fallen tree or blocked street
- Call 211 for critical information regarding emergency shelters, disaster relief services, assistance with temporary housing, and other basic social needs.
PG&E Map of Potential Impact Area
The City of Oakland developed a map showing a worst-case scenario view of projected impacted facilities and areas in Oakland. This map is based on the GIS shapefile developed by PG&E on the morning of October 7; as PG&E releases updated information, we will continue to update this map.
City of Oakland Preparations
In addition to the Oakland Fire Department’s normal operations, firefighters will conduct roving fire patrols in the Oakland Hills. These resources will augment the department’s normal hill company patrols that are out during high fire danger. Additionally, the State of California Office of Emergency Services is pre-positioning fire suppression resources in Oakland and the region.
In the event of a PG&E power shutoff, the Oakland Police Department will deploy additional neighborhood patrols and provide traffic safety support at key intersections where signals are out.
Since this is a regional event, the City team is coordinating with the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, neighboring cities, the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure fluid communication and coordinated response. The affected cities and counties are receiving regular updates from PG&E regarding their plans to de-energize the electrical system and restore power once the severe weather conditions subside.
Updated Forecast: Red Flag Warning & Wind Advisory
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the East Bay hills and interior valleys from 5 am Wednesday through 5 pm Thursday. Northerly winds will increase tonight and continue to be strong and gusty through at least Thursday morning. North to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph are likely. Locally higher gusts of 65 mph are possible on the highest ridges and peaks. These strong winds will create critical fire weather conditions and the potential for downed trees and power lines.
For additional information about the City’s efforts to prepare for anticipated power shutoffs and preparedness tips, visit: https://bit.ly/2OxNI2W.