Southern California Wildfires

Oct. 24, 2007

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

The wildfires in Southern California have created a massive and evolving disaster that is impacting many members of the UC Irvine community, their families and friends. As of this morning, more than 420,000 acres have burned, 1,155 homes lost and almost 900,000 people evacuated. Our sister campus, UC San Diego, has declared a state of emergency and cancelled all classes due to the uncertain nature and direction of fires in that area.

Please join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to those who have been injured, to the families of the fortunately very small number of people who have lost their lives, and to the thousands of our neighbors and friends who have lost their homes or businesses in this tragedy. We also extend our gratitude to the firefighters, disaster relief personnel and thousands of volunteers who are saving lives and property and assisting those who have been displaced by the wildfires.

We are monitoring this situation 24 hours a day and encourage you to check the UC Irvine home page (www.uci.edu) frequently for updates.

Michael V. Drake, M.D.
Chancellor

University of California, Irvine • Irvine, CA 92697
949-824-5011
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Last Updated: August 29, 2008

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