Richmond Fire Department, CA

At 3:33 AM today, a warehouse fire at Wright & Marina Way caused smoke plumes in the area. A shelter-in-place was ordered. As of 5:05 AM, the shelter-in-place order was lifted. The public is being asked to avoid the area. Fire crews are cleaning up the site.

COVID-19: Beware of Vaccine Scams With the vaccine rolling into California this week, fraudsters are always looking for ways to prey on Medicare beneficiaries. The California Health Advocates/Senior Medical Patrol program shares the attached flyer containing tips to avoid being scammed. To report fraud, please call: (855) 613-7080.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Central & 580 - Avoid area/use alternate routes Traffic stopped on 580 at both directions at Central & 580. Traffic on 580 Eastbound is not impacted but the Central exit is closed.... Advisory due to person on overpass threatening to jump. Updates to follow.

Richmond Civic Center Ballot Drop Box Closing at 8:00 P.M. on Election Night Election Night is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The Vote by Mail box will be locked at 8:00 P.M. sharp not before, not after. Voters waiting in line to deposit their ballot at 8:00 P.M. will be permitted to do so. However, no new voters may join the line after 8:00 P.M.; they must deposit their ballot in the U.S. mail.

National Weather Service (NWS) reports red flag warning today until 5 PM, Mon. 12/7 Fire Weather (Winds & Dry Fuels) Gusty Northeast winds arrived 12/6 then peaked around sunrise Monday morning. Wind gusts 45-60 mph in the hills with gusts 30-45 mph into lower elevations.... Humidity values will stay in the moderate category about 35-50% overnight 12/6 - 12/7 before drying Monday afternoon to 30% Details: Fire Weather Concerns: Strong offshore winds Sunday night through midday Monday. Winds will be strong enough to bring down trees, branches and cause power outages. Fuels are at or near record dry levels for early December Refer to attached NWS image for projected impact areas. What to Do: -No outdoor fires. -Do not use equipment to mow or cut dry grass -Be alert -Pay attention to the weather especially if winds pick up. (https://www.weather.gov/bayarea) -Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com) Additional Important Tips: 1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams. 2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel. 3. Park your vehicle: a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR b. On the street in the direction of departure. 4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket. 5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle. 6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. 7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle. 8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children. 9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time. 10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information

COVID-19 Regional Stay at Home Order To slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed, Contra Costa County, along with five other Bay Area counties, has implemented the State’s Regional Stay Home Order. The following changes are effective Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 10 p.m. through Monday, January 4, 2021 at 6 a.m.:... Restaurants and other food service may operate for take-out, curbside pickup or delivery only Bars, brewpubs, breweries, pubs, craft distilleries, wineries and tasting rooms must close Indoor retail, including grocery stores, may operate at 20% capacity Indoor shopping malls may operate at 20% capacity, but close food courts and common areas Low-contact indoor retail services (pet grooming, shoe repair, etc.) are allowed for curbside drop-off and pick-up only Personal care services, including nail and hair salons, must close Places of worship and cultural ceremonies may operate outdoors only. Indoor operations are allowed only for individual prayer/counseling. Gyms and fitness centers may operate outdoors only. Outdoor fitness classes are allowed with distancing and face coverings and without running groups. One-to-one personal training is allowed following the limited services guidance only when no other individuals are on the business premises. Drive-in events, including performances and drive-in movies, may not operate Museums and exhibit spaces must close. Hotels and lodging facilities may operate for essential travel only unless the reservation is for at least the minimum time period required for quarantine and the persons identified in the reservation will quarantine in the hotel or lodging entity until after that time period has expired Casinos and cardrooms must close Family entertainment centers must close Playgrounds must close Overnight stays at campgrounds are not allowed Outdoor recreation facilities (sports fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, golf courses, skate parks, etc.) may operate with no mixing of households and no food or beverages City of Richmond services remain operational and implements social distancing protocols. Richmond Cares Hotline: (510) 620-6700. Wear a face covering, wash hands frequently, keep your distance. For more information, visit the Contra Costa Health Services website: https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/

I-80 @ Hilltop Drive Closed due to Fuel Tanker Collision & Fire; Evacuations underway. Read on. At approximately 11:30 AM, fuel tanker trucks collided and are on fire. I-80 is closed in both directions staring 1/4 mile south of Hilltop Drive. Evacuations in progress in area close to Wilart Drive.... Freeway closure continues. More information follows as incident progresses.

Chevron Level 1 Notification - Excess Flaring Chevron Richmond Refinery reported today at 1;34 p.m. excess flaring due to plant upset. No offsite impact is anticipated.

National Weather Services: Extreme Fire & Wind Conditions Sunday through Tuesday National Weather Services (NWS) issues Red Flag Warning PG&E Anticipates Public Safety Power Shutoffs Oct. 24, 2020... Extreme Fire Weather Conditions late this weekend into early next week. Red Flag Warning has been issued for the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills, and the Diablo Range, and is valid from 11 AM PDT Sunday through 5 AM Tuesday Refer to attached NWS map for impacted areas. High Wind Watch has been upgraded to a Wind Advisory for the North Bay, East Bay, SF Peninsula down to Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Valley. Valid from Sunday 4 PM PDT through Monday 11 AM PDT. Winds are expected to be strong and persistent, especially in the mid to higher elevations with damaging gusts likely. Anticipating winds in Hills & Ridges: Northeast winds 25 to 40 mph, wind gusts from 60 to 70 mph likely over highest ridges and peaks of the North Bay Mountains and East Bay Hills. High winds will cause unsecured outdoor furniture to be blown around; power lines my be impacted; and difficulty in driving high profile vehicles or those with trailers. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff anticipated on Sun. 10/25 from 8 PM to 12 Midnight. For more details to see if your residence is impacted visit: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/updates/ For current weather conditions, visit: www.weather.gov/bayarea What to Do: -No outdoor fires. -Do not use equipment to mow or cut dry grass -Be alert -Pay attention to the weather especially if winds pick up. (https://www.weather.gov/bayarea) -Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com) Additional Important Tips: 1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams. 2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel. 3. Park your vehicle: a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR b. On the street in the direction of departure. 4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket. 5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle. 6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. 7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle. 8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children. 9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time. 10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information

National Weather Service reports Fire Weather Watch from 11 AM PDT Sunday 10/25 through 11 AM PDT Tuesday 10/27 A Fire weather Watch has been issued for the North Bay Mountains and Valleys, East Bay Hills and Valleys, Diablo Range, and Santa Cruz Mountains and is valid from 11 AM PDT Sunday 10/15 through 11 AM PDT Tuesday 10/27. Offshore winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 to 60 mph ... Stronger gusts up to 70+ mph may be possible over favored ridges and peaks during the night and morning hours - mainly the North and East Bay. Peak winds over the higher elevations will likely be Sunday night into Monday morning. Very dry daytime relative humidity from 5 to 15 percent. Limited overnight humidity recoveries ranging between 15 and 30 percent. For more current weather forecasts, visit: http://www.weather.gov/BayArea

National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warning from 10PM 10/21 to 8AM 10/23 Tues. Oct. 20 @ 2:53 PM, the National Weather Service reports: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the North Bay Mountains, East Bay Hills and Interior Valleys, and the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Mateo Coast from 10 PM PDT Wed., October 21th, through 8 AM PDT Friday, October 23th.... Refer to attached NWS map for impacted areas. For current weather conditions, visit: www.weather.gov/bayarea What to Do: -No outdoor fires. -Do not use equipment to mow or cut dry grass -Be alert -Pay attention to the weather especially if winds pick up. (https://www.weather.gov/bayarea) -Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com) Additional Important Tips: 1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams. 2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel. 3. Park your vehicle: a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR b. On the street in the direction of departure. 4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket. 5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle. 6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. 7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle. 8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children. 9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time. 10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information

National Weather Service (NWS) Reports Fire Weather Warning in East Bay Hills from Oct. 21 to Oct 23. NWS reports the following for the East Bay Hills: Fire Weather Watches (Oct 21 Evening to Oct 23 Morning):... Current thinking is that the period covered by this Fire Weather Watch will be slightly less windy and dry than previous events this season, however, a second and potentially third burst of gusty offshore winds is possible late in the weekend into early next week. This may bring a compounding drying effect to already extremely dry fuels. o Wednesday night (Oct 21) through Friday morning (Oct 23), stronger winds with a bigger reach to the East Bay Hills, Diablo Range, and eventually the Santa Cruz Mountains. o Saturday night (Oct 24) into early next week has the potential to be the strongest of the three and over a broader area, though confidence is much lower. For the latest forecast updates, visit www.weather.gov/BayArea WHAT TO DO: 1. No outdoor fires 2. Do not use equipment to cut or mow dry grass 3. Stay informed about the weather and changing conditions as the condition may change to a red flag warning. 4. Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com) If the NWS deems it necessary to raise a red flag warning . . . 1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams. 2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel. 3. Park your vehicle: a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR b. On the street in the direction of departure. 4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket. 5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle. 6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. 7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle. 8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children. 9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time. 10. Be sure to help and pick up neighbors who need assistance in evacuating. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information

PGE Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Report for Oct. 19, 2020 The PG&E Emergency Operations Center was activated on 10/19 at 0800 in preparation for potential PSPS and reports the following: Interior areas will remain unseasonably warm through mid-next week with temperatures remaining in the upper 80s and 90s. ... Light northerly or offshore winds are expected through Monday across the northern interior before the winds increase Tuesday and into Wednesday. Wind gusts are currently expected to be mostly under 30 mph and primarily focused across the western Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra in addition to the highest terrain in SF North Bay. Some, but not all, forecast models suggest a potential Diablo wind event starting Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday. The winds in this type of event focus primarily across the Sacramento Valley, Northern Sierra, and elevated terrain of the North and East Bay. (Click on the attached visual for potential PSPS impact areas.) PG&E meteorology will continue to monitor the situation closely for any weather model forecast changes. Fire danger remains seasonably high as live fuel moisture values are at critical levels in the lower and middle elevations and dead fuel moisture values are at critical levels and historically low in some areas. The latest National Interagency Fire Center wildland fire potential outlook continues to favor above normal large wildland fire potential for most of Northern CA for October followed by normal large fire potential for November and December. For more current information, visit: https://www.pge.com//public-/prepare/prepare-for-psps.page

BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MGMT. DIST.: AIR QUALITY ADVISORY through SUNDAY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2020 CONTACT: Ralph Borrmann, 415.760.0285... Air quality advisory for wildfire smoke extended through Sunday Air quality forecast good to moderate but smoke impacts are possible SAN FRANCISCO The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is extending an air quality advisory through Sunday, October 18, due to possible wildfire smoke impacts. There is no Spare the Air Alert in effect and air quality is not expected to be unhealthy. Smoke from the August Complex and Creek Fires are expected to drift into the Bay Area, causing smoky and hazy skies through Sunday. Air quality is expected to be in the good to moderate range and is not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard on Friday. The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts from the fires. If smoke reaches unhealthy levels, it is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside, if temperatures allow. It is also recommended that those impacted by smoke set their air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a dry scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure. Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Fire and Smoke Map for current air quality readings: https://bit.ly/2S3mDoI.

Are you ready to SHAKE OUT__ Thurs. Oct. 15 @ 10:15 AM In 2020, International ShakeOut Day is October 15. Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake! Thus, anyone can participate - ShakeOut is for everyone. You or your organization, however, may hold your ShakeOut drill on another day of the year that you find most convenient. Visit https://www.shakeout.org/california/ to learn about the drill and sign-up if you plan on participating. Your... own drill can be just a couple of minutes and can be as simple as: 1. Checking around your home or office for items that might fall on them during an earthquake and placing those items on a lower shelf. 2. Checking your family communications plans to make sure all the names and phone numbers are up-to-date 3. Drop, Cover and Hold On in the most physically appropriate way especially for seniors. Check out this website for more information: https://www.shakeout.org/index.html

National Weather Svcs: Red Flag Warning for East Bay Hills & Valleys, 5AM Weds. 10/14 through 11 AM Fri. 10/16 Tues. Oct. 13, the National Weather Service reports: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the North Bay Valleys & Mountains, East Bay Valleys & Hills, and the Santa Cruz Mountains valid at 5 AM PDT Wednesday, October 14th, through 11 AM PDT Friday, October 16th... Robust warning and drying trend through the week with warmest temperatures expected on Thursday and Friday. Refer to attached NWS map for impacted areas. For current weather conditions, visit: www.weather.gov/bayarea What to Do: -No outdoor fires. -Do not use equipment to mow or cut dry grass -Be alert -Pay attention to the weather especially if winds pick up. (https://www.weather.gov/bayarea) -Sign up to receive alerts for life-threatening situations from the County (https://cwsalerts.com) and from the City via NIXLE (on your smartphone, text your zip code to "888-777" or visit Nixle.com) Additional Important Tips: 1. Be ready to evacuate. Take only a single vehicle to help reduce traffic jams. 2. Make sure that you have at least 3/4 full tank of fuel. 3. Park your vehicle: a. In a driveway facing the street, not in a garage. If you have a driveway gate, leave it open. OR b. On the street in the direction of departure. 4. Keep vehicle keys in your pocket. 5. Keep plenty of drinking water in your vehicle. 6. Load time-sensitive medications into the vehicle. Unopened insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. 7. Keep an emergency kit and first aid kit in your vehicle. 8. Pre-load your vehicle with Go-Bags, keepsake items and small toys for your children. 9. Plan to evacuate before a mandatory order is issued especially if you need more time. 10. Help and pick up neighbors who need assistance evacuating. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/3627/Wildfire-Information

BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MGMT. DIST. EXTENDS SPARE THE AIR ALERT THRU SATURDAY NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2020...Continue reading

National Weather Service Bay Area: First Rain of the Water Year! NWS Reports (Oct. 6. 2020) Entire Bay Area - Napa/Sonoma to Santa Clara... HIGH Confidence Occurrence of rain LOW Confidence Exact timing of rain beginning o Sometime between Friday afternoon and late evening Quantity of rainfall o Model solutions have a wide variance Details: Rain o Onset Friday afternoon/evening o Amounts Generally 0.20 - 0.50 with an isolated spot near 0.75 o High intensity rainfall is not expected Wind o Friday winds generally out of the south-southwest 5-15 mph o Saturday winds turn out of the northwest 10-20 mph with locally higher gusts Strongest winds along the immediate coast and coastal range

BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MGMT. DIST.: SPARE THE AIR ALERT EXTENDED TO THURSDAY NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2020...Continue reading