"Our hearts go out to everyone whose lives have been touched by the fires, including our colleagues at Westmont College in Montecito, which suffered damage in the Tea fire," said Occidental President Robert A. Skotheim. "I know that everyone on campus joins me in extending our sympathy and support to all fire victims, and in being sensitive to the needs of affected community members at this difficult time."

Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and decreasing winds are in the forecast this week, all of which are expected to help firefighters gain the upper hand. Even at the height of the blazes, Occidental's campus was never in jeopardy; thanks to its location in northeast Los Angeles, the College has never been threatened by a major wildfire.