Despite the Threat of a Blaze, Students at Malibu Campus Shelter in Place Following Decades of Fire Preparedness

When a wildfire threatened the Malibu campus of Pepperdine University in Southern California, the institution’s long-established safety procedures kicked into action, guiding students to safety in the face of a growing blaze. Rather than evacuate, as is typical in fire-prone regions, around 3,000 students followed a shelter-in-place protocol designed for such emergencies.

The Franklin Fire, which began spreading rapidly on Monday night, prompted immediate action from university officials. In the middle of the night, students were notified about the fire and were directed to two key campus buildings where food, water, and basic supplies were provided. This strategy, part of the university’s fire preparedness plan, has been in place for years due to the school’s location in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“We have been preparing for this moment since the start of the academic year,” said Michael Friel, a university spokesperson. “When the fire broke out, we communicated with students through text, email, and social media, and even went door-to-door to ensure everyone was safe and informed.”

The blaze quickly expanded southwards, crossing over the Pacific Coast Highway, and affecting thousands of residents in the area. As the fire grew, fire officials reported that over 8,100 homes were under threat, and approximately 3.5 square miles of dry brush had burned. Despite the looming danger, the university’s protocols ensured the students remained secure within the shelter-in-place areas.

Ryan Song, a resident assistant at Pepperdine, recalled the moments when the fire’s glow could be seen from his dorm. Despite the chaos, most students remained calm and followed instructions, though some, in fear, rushed to their cars. The university’s design, which dates back to the 1960s, prioritises fire safety, with buildings clustered together and roads built for easy access by firefighters. In addition, officials worked closely with Los Angeles County fire authorities in the 1990s to create a comprehensive safety plan.

Phil Phillips, the university’s executive vice president, explained that evacuations during wildfires can be hazardous, particularly along the congested Pacific Coast Highway. “Our main priority is protecting our students, and the shelter-in-place strategy has proven to be effective,” he said.

By Tuesday afternoon, classes had been cancelled and final exams postponed as firefighters continued to battle the blaze. Despite heavy smoke billowing across campus, no injuries were reported, and only one structure sustained minimal damage.

Pepperdine’s president, Jim Gash, expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of students, faculty, and emergency services, stating, “Through prayer, preparation, and cooperation, our Pepperdine community safely navigated the challenges over the last 12 hours. Our prayers are with the Malibu community as they face the ongoing threat of the fire.”