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MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — In the midst of late-night study sessions for final exams, a wildfire alert disrupted the routine of students at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Instead of evacuating, approximately 3,000 students followed established protocols and took refuge in designated campus buildings.
The university’s approach might seem unconventional compared to typical evacuation scenes prevalent in California’s fire-stricken areas, where residents often flee in droves. However, for Pepperdine, the strategy reflects years of planning tailored to its unique landscape.
For many years, the university, perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, has implemented specific wildfire preparedness measures. Michael Friel, a spokesperson for the university, noted that the plan involves directing students to a central library and campus center, ensuring access to food, water, and essential supplies during emergencies.
At the start of each academic year, new students are educated about wildfire protocols. When the Franklin Fire erupted on Monday night, university officials commenced their emergency communications around 11 p.m., announcing the shelter-in-place order a couple of hours later through various channels such as text messages, emails, and social media, as well as in-person notifications.
“Many students were alerted by knocks on their doors to inform them of the situation, and our team worked diligently to ensure their safety,” Friel remarked.
The rapidly spreading Franklin Fire swiftly advanced southward, crossing the Pacific Coast Highway and threatening coastal properties. On Tuesday, thousands of residents received evacuation alerts, as fire impacted over 8,100 homes and structures in the region.
Fire officials reported that approximately 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers) of vegetation had been consumed by the flames, fuelled by dry conditions and gusty winds, particularly the notorious Santa Ana winds.
The cause of the fire remained undetermined at the time of reporting.
Ryan Song, a resident assistant at the university, recounted that during the late hours on Monday, he noticed a power outage in his dorm. Upon looking outside, he saw an ominous, expansive glow of fire.
“The glow kept growing in intensity, and I realized it was an actual fire,” shared the 20-year-old junior. He and other resident assistants took swift action to ensure students were evacuated, with most remaining calm, although some, feeling anxious, rushed towards their vehicles.
Throughout the night, Song tirelessly moved between his dorm and the main campus to confirm that everyone was safe.
Designed in the 1960s with fire safety in mind, Pepperdine’s layout features structures constructed with stucco and strategic roadways to facilitate emergency access for firefighting efforts, as noted by Phil Phillips, the university’s executive vice president.
In collaboration with Los Angeles County fire authorities during the 1990s, the school developed comprehensive safety plans that prioritize remaining on campus during fire emergencies. The university actively manages vegetation around its buildings and has protocols in place to minimize smoke exposure in designated safe areas.
Philips emphasized the potential dangers of congested evacuation routes, particularly recalling the chaotic aftermath of the destructive Woolsey Fire in 2018.
“Our main goal is to avoid any student getting trapped in a precarious situation,” he said, reflecting on his extensive experience with wildfire best practices over the years. “Ensuring the safety of our students is a duty we uphold with utmost seriousness.”
On Tuesday, heavy smoke from the Franklin Fire enveloped the campus, prompting the cancellation of classes and the postponement of final exams. By Tuesday afternoon, no part of the fire had been contained.
While the campus sustained some fire damage, no injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully contained the impact to just one structure with minimal damage, largely due to their quick response and cooperation from the campus community.
University President Jim Gash later confirmed that the campus was no longer in immediate danger. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that enabled the university community to navigate the emergency efficiently.
“I am thankful that our Pepperdine community was able to adeptly respond to the challenges faced in the last hours, through prayer, preparation, and teamwork,” Gash stated, also extending thoughts to the broader Malibu community.
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Taxin reported from Santa Ana, Calif. Associated Press writer Julie Watson in San Diego contributed to this report.
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