Latest Event Updates
Bryson Fire Morning Update
University officials continue to monitor the Bryson Fire near Encinal Canyon. Evacuation orders remained in effect throughout the night. The fire does not currently pose a threat to Pepperdine’s Malibu campus and all operations, including classes, are normal at all Pepperdine University Southern California campuses.
Road closures have been established around the perimeter of the fire and commuters are encouraged to avoid the area and utilize alternative routes.
Pepperdine community members are encouraged to review the University’s wildfire preparedness plans which are reviewed annually by the LA County Fire Department. This includes the practice of sheltering in place on the Malibu campus when a wildfire threatens the campus. If the University’s zone is placed on an evacuation order status, the University would initiate its shelter-in-place protocol.
Additionally, please be advised of the following:
- Community members whose homes are threatened by the fire, or affected by evacuation warnings or any road closures should follow the directions of their local governmental agencies and discuss the situation with their supervisors or professors for accommodations as needed.
- The Watch Duty app has the latest information on the fire and the Genasys system notes which zones are under evacuation warnings and orders.
- The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service will continue through Saturday at 8 PM.
- The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page. As a reminder, the EOC will communicate with the University community. It is good practice to keep electronics charged and to monitor your email and phone.
Pepperdine Monitoring the Bryson Fire Near Encinal Canyon
University officials are monitoring the Bryson Fire near Encinal Canyon, which is located approximately eight miles northwest of the Malibu campus. Winds are blowing southwest and away from the Malibu campus. The fire does not currently pose a threat to Pepperdine’s Malibu campus. Considerable firefighting resources have been assigned to address this incident. Firefighting aircraft and smoke may be visible from campus.
Please be advised of the following:
- Community members whose homes are threatened by the fire, evacuation warnings, or any road closures should follow the directions of their local governmental agencies and discuss the situation with their supervisors or professors for accommodations as needed.
- The Watch Duty app has the latest information on the fire and the Genasys system notes which zones are under evacuation warnings and orders.
- The Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service will continue through Saturday at 8 PM.
- The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page. As a reminder, the EOC will communicate with the University community. It is good practice to keep electronics charged and to monitor your email and phone.
Potential Power Outage at Calabasas Campus
As a reminder, during Red Flag warning periods, Southern California Edison (SCE) may initiate a preemptive Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) to reduce wildfire risk. Today, some circuits in the Calabasas area were de-energized, and though the Calabasas campus circuit was not, it was on an imminent warning list for a period of time. As of 3 PM, SCE has communicated that the Calabasas campus circuit is off the warning list for now (though it could go back on). Campus operations remain normal at this time.
If initiated, a PSPS would result in a loss of power at Pepperdine’s Calabasas campus. If the power is turned off, it is likely to remain off through the end of the concerning weather conditions. University officials are in communication with SCE and monitor these warnings closely.
Deans and supervisors are working with the University’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) to prepare for a possible PSPS. In the event the power does go out, you would receive University EOC notices and additional messaging and direction from your school or supervisor.
Please continue to monitor the University’s Emergency Information Page for updates.
Red Flag Warning October 15-17, 2026
National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura county coastal and valley areas, including Malibu and Calabasas, from 6 AM Thursday, October 15 through 8 PM Saturday, October 17 due to low humidity and winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 55 MPH. As a precaution, officials are also closing Topanga Canyon Road from Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway, which is a route routinely susceptible to weather-related closures. Officials have not announced plans for any other road closures.
The University expects to maintain normal operations and classes as regularly scheduled at all Southern California campuses this week.
Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify periods of warm temperatures, low humidity, and stronger winds which can pose an elevated risk of fire danger. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:
- Report any signs of smoke immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus, call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other campus locations, report smoke by calling 911.
- Use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished. As a reminder, Pepperdine is a smoke-free University.
- Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings.
- Consider taking down umbrellas and moving patio furniture inside.
During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may issue a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive deenergization of electrical circuits in an attempt to reduce wildfire risk. This could result in a loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. While SCE typically takes steps to advise the community in advance, the community should nevertheless be prepared for the possibility of an unexpected temporary loss of power. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here.
The Department of Public Safety is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. Additional information regarding Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.
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