With all of the recent fires, is Pepperdine’s campus safe from future fires?
The Malibu campus is a safe place. The university constructs our buildings and installs landscaping with fire considerations in mind. We also are celebrated by first responders for our extensive brush clearance and fire preparation. The University also employs wildland fire certified personnel on our public safety team.
Additionally, because the Franklin fire burned much of the brush surrounding the Malibu campus, the campus has a buffer resulting in much less possible fuel surrounding the campus.
If a wildfire were to impact the Malibu Campus, the University has significant and tested plans in place to address such a situation. The EOC may activate its shelter in place protocol, in which the University community will be directed to stay on campus and move to the Tyler Campus Center (TCC) and/or Payson Library. This shelter in place plan is approved by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
With the recent fires, is air quality on campus unhealthy?
No, air quality on campus is not unhealthy. The University regularly monitors various sources of information related to air quality including:
IQAir and Purple Air use similar sensors supported by local users to provide air quality data.
Its own air quality testing conducted by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Additionally, the Palisades Fire did not burn near the Malibu campus, and the smoke column from the fire was blown out into the Pacific.
What are the current road conditions leading to the Malibu Campus?
Individuals looking for information on the roads leading to Pepperdine’s Malibu Campus are encouraged to call the ROAD-Hotline – 310.506.ROAD (7623) which is updated frequently.
Current road closures include:
PCH south of the Malibu campus is closed between the Malibu Pier and the McClure Tunnel.
Malibu Canyon, Kanan Dume Road, and PCH north of the campus are all currently open.
Given the recent fires, is there a greater potential for rock or mud slides following rainstorms?
Subject-matter experts recently surveyed burned areas on and around campus following the Franklin fire, concluding that in typical storms expected in the area, the Malibu campus falls in the a low-risk category for damaging or dangerous rock or mudslides during the rainy season. The University will continue working closely with its partners to ensure safety and advise the University community of any changes.
I have been personally impacted by the fires, where can I go for help from Pepperdine?
The university wants to stand alongside any of our community members who have been impacted by the fires, and will provide personalized service to each person in need. Students, faculty, and staff can visit Pepperdine’s WIldfire Community Support page to learn more about how Pepperdine can assist them.
Where can I go for information related to local fires?
The Watch Duty app has the latest information on local fires.
Los Angeles County officials use the Genasys system to note which zones are under evacuation warnings and orders during emergencies.
Where can I learn more about Pepperdine’s emergency plans?
The university has detailed and comprehensive emergency plans covering a wide variety of potential scenarios, including wildfires. Pepperdine’s Emergency Information Page serves as a repository for the University’s emergency preparedness information for various disasters, which are regularly updated, as well as the latest emergency-related messaging to the University community.
I want to volunteer, donate, or offer assistance. How do I do that through Pepperdine?
Individuals can visit Pepperdine’s WIldfire Community Support page to learn more about how Pepperdine is assisting the community recover through donations, volunteer activities, legal assistance, and more.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 