Campus Updates

August 22, 2025 - 5:50 p.m.

We are grateful to share that the already minimal threat posed by the Pickett Fire to Angwin and the Pacific Union College community has continued to diminish. The fire is now at a much higher level of containment and is moving in a different direction. No new evacuation orders have been issued for our area.

Significant firefighting resources remain engaged, with additional crews and equipment continuing to arrive. While the fire has grown slightly in the past 12 hours, this has primarily been the result of controlled burning in remote areas to strengthen fuel breaks and control lines.

Although we remain watchful, the overall threat has been reduced to the point that only extraordinary circumstances would cause the fire to move toward Angwin. At times, a change in wind may bring smoke or ash back over campus or the community, but this should not be taken as an indication of increased danger.

This will be our final official update on the Pickett Fire unless there are significant and unexpected changes in conditions. PUC personnel will continue to monitor the situation until the fire is mostly contained.

For your own monitoring, please continue to use the following resources:

Thank you again to our fire crews who are continuing to work to keep our area safe.

August 22, 2025 - 10:15 a.m.

We want to provide you with the most recent information regarding the Pickett Fire and its relation to Angwin and Pacific Union College. At this time, the situation remains stable, and the fire continues to present very little threat to our campus.

Fire crews worked steadily through the night and continue their efforts this morning on several fronts. While the fire has grown to about 2,100 acres, that growth has been moderate. Crews remain staged nearby at the Howell Mountain Water Company on Friesen Drive, prepared to respond as needed.

There have been no new advisories or evacuation warnings issued for our community or campus. While smoke and ash are affecting local air quality, the overall fire risk to PUC remains minimal at this time. We encourage the use of masks and limiting outdoor activities to help protect health.

According to our onsite source, Craig Philpott, current fire activity is north of the Three Peaks area, with winds pushing the fire farther north and away from campus.

Campus leadership and Incident Command continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.

For Residence Hall Students:

  • Face masks are available in your residence hall.

Stay informed:

We are deeply grateful to the fire crews and first responders who continue to work tirelessly to keep our area safe. Thank you all for staying attentive, supportive, and mindful of one another during this time.

August 21, 2025 - 10:30 p.m.

The status of the Pickett Fire remains largely unchanged since our earlier evening update regarding Angwin and Pacific Union College. No additional evacuation orders have been issued for our area.

Cal Fire has not released further updates at this time. However, our onsite source, Craig Philpott, reports that the fire is slowly creeping in Pope Valley, south of Aetna Springs and north of Ink Grade Road. Containment efforts continue. Activity on the Pope Valley side has decreased, with minimal intensity noted by the strike team stationed there.

Incident Command and the PUC campus team will continue to monitor the fire overnight and will update, alert, and activate as needed. At this point, the danger to our campus remains very minimal, though we encourage everyone to stay alert to changing conditions.

For Residence Hall Students:

  • Face masks are available in your residence hall.
  • Please check early morning communications for any guidance on outdoor activities.

Stay informed:

Thank you for your continued awareness, preparedness, and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our campus community.

August 21, 2025 - 8 p.m.

This is an update on the Pickett Fire as it relates to our campus.

Incident Command, led by Sam Heier, continues to closely monitor the Pickett Fire and will do so until the incident is fully resolved.

In addition, PUC Administration, Residence Hall Directors, Student Life, and Public Relations remain engaged and prepared to communicate promptly and carry out fire-related objectives as needed.

At this time, the Pickett Fire does not pose an immediate threat to the Pacific Union College campus. Current winds are pushing the fire in a northerly direction, away from our area. Incident Command and campus leadership will continue to monitor the situation closely through the night.

For the latest updates and any urgent alerts, please:

Thank you for your continued awareness and cooperation.

January 28, 2025

According to the Wall Street Journal, a White House memo has ordered a temporary pause on federal grant funding beginning at 5 p.m. on January 28. The memo states that direct pay funding to individuals will be allowed. Federal Stafford loans, Pell Grants, and veterans education benefits are direct pay and, therefore, not affected.

In addition, according to Education Department Spokeswoman Madison Biedemann, the Office of Management and Budget order is not expected to curtail Pell Grants and federal Stafford loans.