OCTOBER 10, 2008, 8 p.m. -- Earlier this evening, there was a large vegetation fire on the west side of Howell Mountain Road, reportedly near the hairpin turn. Since the wind is blowing south, Pacific Union College was never under evacuation orders. Initially, PUC's gymnasium was designated as an evacuation site for residents, but this request was later canceled. A voluntary evacuation, however, was called only for residents south of the hairpin turn, with instructions to gather at the St. Helena High School gymnasium.

While Howell Mountain Road was closed south of White Cottage, Old Mountain Road was open in both directions as of 6:40 p.m. The PUC campus was temporarily without power, but by 6:48 p.m. power was restored.

PUC will continue to work closely with law enforcement officials to receive regular updates on the fire and ensure the safety of our campus.

In case of a fire, PUC has an emergency evacuation plan that was reviewed and updated this past summer.

For questions regarding tonight's fire or for information on road access, please contact the PUC Department of Public Safety at (707) 965-6551.