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By Monica Sager
Live News Reporter
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Fire activity around Pepperdine University's Malibu campus has "greatly diminished" as students remain on campus.
When the fire was reported, Pepperdine University established an on-campus command center. Within an hour of the fire's ignition, it became visible from campus, "with spot fires affecting some parts of the campus itself," President Jim Gash said in a statement sent to Newsweek. The school went in a shelter-in-place protocol, with students relocating to the library and campus center.
"The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priorities, and we will do everything in our power to continue to support them in the days ahead," Gash said. "As we emerge from this challenge, we will remain rooted in faith, leaning on one another, and serving our Malibu community together with God's help."
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The Franklin Fire began around 11 p.m. PST on Monday along Malibu Canyon Road, which is in the hills north of Pepperdine University. The fire has since spread throughout 3,983 acres in Los Angeles County. The blaze is only 7 percent contained as of press time, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The cause is still under investigation.
During a news conference Tuesday evening, L.A. County Fire Department Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported that an initial aerial survey estimates seven structures have been destroyed and eight others damaged.
Much of the Malibu area has evacuation orders, meaning there is an immediate threat to life, and the area is lawfully closed to public access. However, most of the region is still under an evacuation warning, suggesting a potential threat to life and/or property, but there is still time to evacuate.
"Today, firefighters actively worked on containment efforts along the perimeter of the fire," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Calfire) said in an update issued at 9:30 p.m. Monday. "The deep and rugged terrain, along with the strong winds and low humidity, continue to pose challenges for firefighters. Nevertheless, firefighters continued to aggressively work to control the fire and protect structures."
Pepperdine students watched the Franklin Fire from inside campus buildings, as a video from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed on social media.
Journalist Cece Woods posted videos from the Pepperdine campus that showed sparks from trees and scorched land patches.
Pepperdine has historically used the shelter-in-place model, according to Gash. With a "strong presence on campus" from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, students are moved to campus buildings that are "constructed with fire-resistant materials whenever possible."
The campus roads are also meant to "provide natural fire breaks," and there is fire-resistant landscaping throughout the campus.
"The University's shelter-in-place plan is well-practiced and historically proven successful," Pepperdine's website reads.
Gash said there have been no reports of injuries among the students, faculty or staff due to the Franklin Fire.
"Pepperdine University's Malibu campus is designed with fire safety in mind, including defensible space and fire-resistant materials," he said. "Regular drills and active communication channels ensure the safety of the community during emergencies."
Student reporter Gabrielle Salgado told The New York Times that it was difficult to sleep in the library, where the community was relocated. Some students played games, and others studied. Photos posted by the university showed smiling faces and people with food and N-95 masks.
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Tuesday's classes were canceled at the Malibu campus, and finals were postponed.
As of Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. PST, the shelter-in-place protocols for the Malibu campus had been lifted. The emergency information, however, noted an ongoing power outage. Most roads also remain closed.
"As we emerge from this challenge, we will remain rooted in faith, leaning on one another, and serving our Malibu community together with God's help," Gash said.
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