SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KSBY) — Classes at two local colleges will be closed due to concerns over a brush fire and a winter storm heading for the region this week.
University of California, Santa Barbara has canceled classes for the remainder of the week starting Tuesday at 11 a.m. due to the Cave Fire and holiday weather forecasted over the Thanksgiving holiday.
UCSB classes will resume on Dec. 2, after the weekend.
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Even though classes are being canceled, UCSB Chancellor Henry Yang said the campus is safe and remains open in a statement to students:
"Though visible along the mountain ridge, the fire currently poses no threat to our campus, which remains open. Air quality in our campus area is currently within acceptable range. We are staying in communication with our local public safety and government officials and we are closely monitoring the situation.
Student housing, including residence halls and apartments, are open and fully operational. We are offering support to students who need assistance. Campus offices will follow up separately with additional information to respond to student questions, including those related to housing and academic concerns."
N95 masks are available to students who remain on campus at the Student Health, University Center, and Pardall Center buildings.
All Santa Barbara City College campuses will also remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday out of "an abundance of caution" due to the Cave Fire, including Main Campus (Cliff Drive), Wake Campus, Schott Campus, and the Cosmetology Academy.
