Pepperdine University reinstates shelter-in-place orders as Franklin Fire continues
The shelter-in-place orders at Pepperdine University were lifted Tuesday morning as conditions improved after the Franklin Fire burned near campus.
At 7:29 a.m. the university posted an update on its website lifting the shelter-in-place order. School officials effectively assessed the campus's surrounding areas as the sun began to shine light.
"Campus conditions are safe for members of the community to return to student residences and on-campus homes," the university post said. "The community is strongly encouraged to remain on campus and stay off Malibu roads as first responders continue to respond to the Franklin fire, which continues to threaten Malibu."
School officials warned the community that if conditions worsen they may re-issue shelter protocols. Students and residents are encouraged to use caution as fire suppression efforts are still ongoing in Malibu.
The shelter-in-place order was issued on Tuesday at 1:09 a.m.The administration posted on X instructing students and residents to shelter in the Tyler Camus Center or Payson Library.
The university canceled all classes and final exams for Tuesday.
"At about 11 [p.m.] we started getting all these alarms and notifications that we had to move to a safer area," said Matt Morrison, a student at Pepperdine. "My RA's came to me, I was in my dorm prepping for finals and so I came to the library, met with some friends and we've kind of been here since."
The university advised its members to follow university instructions despite evacuation orders issued by the city of Malibu and other areas. The administration stated that their "protocol is approved by LA County Fire and executed with their cooperation."
"Unfortunately, we do have to be well prepared for these kinds of situations. In close coordination with LA County Fire, we have a shelter-in-place plan that is really designed for our residents, our students that come from all over the country," Michael Friel, a Pepperdine spokesperson said.
Friel said students and residents on campus including the university's president and his wife quickly gathered in the designated areas. The fire pushed passed Pepperdine by 3:30 a.m. but embers and hotspots continued to flare up near campus vegetation.
"The fire got really close to campus. It was kind of scary how close the fire was," Morrison said.
A junior from New York said she had never experienced anything like this. She was also studying for finals when she received a notification that she needed to head to the library.
"The Wi-Fi is out; the power is out. We are really just in a time of hectic and craziness," she said.
Friel said the university has brought in "air scrubbers" to ensure the shelter-in-place locations are in good condition.
Much of the Malibu area remains without power as fire crews continue to battle the flames.
The fire continues to burn along parts of Pacific Coast Highway and flames could intensify as winds pick up throughout the day. Road closures remain on parts of Pacific Coast Highway, La Virgenes and Malibu Canyon Road.
