To: All Campus
December 5, 2023
Dear Campus Community:
There are currently several controlled burns occurring in Merced County. There are two large agricultural controlled burns on Olive Avenue /Kibby Road and Arboleda Drive /Kibby Road area causing unhealthy air quality for the surrounding areas, including the main campus. The controlled burns will continue through Friday, December 8, 2023. Conditions may shift — monitor the real-time smoke map here.
UC Merced is actively monitoring the air quality in and around Merced, in consultation with EPA AirNow and will provide updates as conditions change. Visit the UC Merced Emergency Response Guide to take steps to reduce your risk from Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality.
Children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments are the most susceptible under smoky conditions. Should smoke conditions worsen, please take caution — stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities if possible. Face coverings should be worn if outdoors; face coverings and N95 respirators for voluntary use are available on campus at the Campus Face Covering Distribution locations, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.
Please report any immediate public safety concerns to 209-228-2677 (on campus) or 9-1-1 (off campus).
Faculty and staff experiencing non-urgent respiratory symptoms should contact their primary care provider. Students who are experiencing non-urgent respiratory symptoms are encouraged to call the Student Health Center for an appointment at 209-228-2273.
UC Merced Emergency Management
