Malibu

Red Flag Warning – December 16-17, 2024

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The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 3 PM to Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6 PM due to Santa Ana winds of 20-40 MPH and gusts up to 60 MPH accompanied by low relative humidity.

Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify time periods when conditions are ideal for wildfires. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:

  • Report any signs of smoke or flames immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus, call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke/flames by calling 911;
  • Remember Pepperdine is a smoke free campus; in all other locations, use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished. 
  • Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings; and
  • 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 prevent power lines from starting a potential wildfire. This may result in the temporary loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here. 

The EOC is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. In the event of a wildfire near the Malibu Campus, University officials are prepared to activate the Shelter-In-Place protocol, whereby the Pepperdine community remains on campus in a few centralized buildings, where shelter, food, water, and counseling and medical services are available. This plan is approved annually by the LA County Fire Department and has proven historically safe and useful to Pepperdine in past wildfires. 

Additional information regarding Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.

Malibu Canyon is Open

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Officials have re-opened Malibu Canyon Road to all traffic. As always, please drive carefully and remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources: 

Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at sigalert.com.

This entry was posted in Calabasas, Malibu.

Normal Campus Operations and Malibu Canyon Road Remains Closed

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The Franklin Fire sits at more than 42% containment and is only smoldering and creeping in some remote areas. The fire is not affecting the Malibu campus. Normal operations will continue tomorrow at all southern California campuses.

Malibu Canyon Road remains closed as repairs and inspections continue to ensure the safety of the roadway following the effects of the fire, and there is currently no estimated time for re-opening the road. All other routes to the Malibu campus are open.

Employees and students are encouraged to remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources: 

  • Malibu Campus Road hotline: 310.506.ROAD (7623) 

Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.

This entry was posted in Malibu.

Final Franklin Fire Update #17 – Normal Operations Resume, PCH Open

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University officials continue to monitor the Franklin Fire, which poses no further threat to the Malibu campus. Fire officials have continued the process of repopulating Malibu and have reopened roads. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is now open with traffic moving in both directions. Malibu Canyon remains closed.

Normal operations on the Malibu campus are scheduled to resume for faculty and staff next week, and campus events are resuming this weekend. Please review the University events calendar for the latest updates. The air quality in Malibu is good and has returned to normal levels, though individuals may still smell the remnants of the Franklin fire due to the burn scars on and surrounding campus. The University continues facilities work on campus including but not limited to cleaning spaces and replacement of air handler filters.

Thank you all for your support and partnership as we navigated the Franklin Fire together. We deeply value each member of our community and are grateful to serve a community that pulls together to uplift and support one another. This will be the final update offered by the Emergency Operations Committee (EOC). If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Emergency Services.

This entry was posted in Malibu.