Monitoring Palisades Fire – Update #6
University officials continue to monitor the Palisades Fire which is now approximately three miles east of the Malibu campus and approaching the area burned in the Franklin Fire, which is 2.4 miles from campus. As the fire moves westward and approaches the burned area from the Franklin Fire, fuel for the fire will significantly decrease.
The Palisades fire has burned more than 11,800 acres but continues to pose no immediate threat to the Malibu campus. The University is also monitoring multiple other fires around the Los Angeles area, which continue to grow but are not a threat to campus.
Malibu Campus Utilities
SoCal Gas has turned off natural gas services to areas of Malibu, including the Malibu campus, as a safety precaution related to the fire. University officials are in consultation with SoCalGas officials, and they are unable to provide an estimate at this time of when gas service may be restored. This utility interruption impacts the use of water heating, central heating, and gas stoves and ovens.
While the campus did not experience a power outage last night, we remain in an area where preventive power shutoffs could still occur. In the event of an outage, the University will share emergency updates through Everbridge, on the Emergency Information Page, and at the following campus locations:
- Main doors to the Lighthouse in the Tyler Campus Center
- Main doors to the Caruso School of Law
- Pier 18 Package Lockers adjacent to Banowsky Hall
- Main doors to the Villa Executive Center
Campus Operations
Today and tomorrow, Waves Cafe and Starbucks will continue to serve breakfast and lunch between 8 AM and 2 PM and grab-and-go dinner service will run from 5-7 PM in Waves Cafe.
Due to the significant wind, the University’s shuttle service has been disrupted. Those currently on campus needing a ride can contact DPS at 310.506.4442 for assistance in arranging one to other areas of campus.
Student Support
The University stands ready to support students who have been impacted by the fire. Students who have lost their off-campus housing and would like to arrange for on-campus housing for the spring semester may contact Housing. Those who have short-term housing or other needs due to fire-related losses may contact the Student Care Team for assistance, which will coordinate support from the University. We are grateful for the generous donors who help us meet needs like these through the Pepperdine Strong Fund.
The Student Health Center and Counseling Center remain open to care for students. Additionally, medical and mental health support are available through the TimelyCare app.
Faculty and Staff Support
The University also stands ready to support faculty and staff who have been impacted by the fire. Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources, which will coordinate support from the University through resources such as the Pepperdine Strong Fund.
Academic Schedule
Seaver College continues to plan to begin Spring Semester classes as scheduled Monday, Jan. 13. The Dean’s office will communicate any changes in schedule if they occur. Graduate schools continue to conduct classes at the direction of their respective deans.
Students returning to campus this weekend will find it accessible via Kanan Road, PCH North of campus, and the John Tyler gate, students should follow directions from law enforcement managing access to roadways.
Road Closures
Road closures remain fluid and as currently reported, include:
- PCH is closed southbound at Malibu Canyon Road and northbound at the McClure Tunnel
- Malibu Canyon Road is closed between PCH and Piuma
- Topanga Canyon remains closed to all except residents
Pepperdine Emergency Information 