Update – Pepperdine Continues to Monitor the Sandy Wildfire

Posted on May 18, 2026, 6:24 PM

The University continues to closely monitor the Sandy wildfire and University administrators remain in contact with fire officials. Over the course of the day, various evacuation orders and warnings have been issued in the area which could affect the homes or family members of community members, and professors and supervisors should continue to exercise flexibility in these cases. 

The winds have shifted over the day, currently pushing the fire in an easterly direction, and a multitude of air and ground fire resources remain engaged. The open space areas (but not the neighborhoods) on the north side of the 101 freeway in parts of Calabasas and Agoura are under evacuation warning as a precautionary measure. At this time, though smoke may be seen in the area, there is no current threat to the Calabasas or Malibu campuses, and normal operations continue on these campuses, including classes this evening in Calabasas. 

Please be advised of the following:

• Follow local updates on evacuation order and warning zones.
• Community members whose homes are affected by the fire or road closures should follow the directions of their local governmental agencies. 
• Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
• The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

The University will continue to monitor the situation and keep the community informed of any developments that impact the campuses. Normal operations are expected on the Malibu and Calabasas campuses for tomorrow, May 19, 2026.

Pepperdine Monitoring the Sandy Wildfire

Posted on May 18, 2026, 11:22 AM Updated on May 18, 2026, 11:25 AM

University officials are monitoring the Sandy wildfire in Simi Valley, which is last reported to be a 180-acre fire located east of the 23 and south of the 118 freeways. Multiple air and ground fire resources are engaged. Fire officials have ordered evacuations for four zones near the fire (in the Simi Valley area) and put another three zones on evacuation warnings (including areas near Thousand Oaks). Smoke from the fire is visible from the Calabasas campus but does not currently threaten any Pepperdine University campus. Employees living in the evacuation zones who need to return home to take care of family or gather belongings may do so with supervisor approval. Please prioritize your safety and stay tuned for further updates.

Please be advised of the following:

• Community members whose homes are affected by the fire or road closures should follow the directions of their local governmental agencies. 
• Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
• The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

Updates on evacuation zones are available on Ventura County’s Emergency webpage.