US Campuses
Update #5 – PCH Reopened and Mountain Fire Update
PCH has reopened after it was previously closed between Corral Canyon and Webb Way, due to the Broad fire.
Normal operations and classes continue on all Pepperdine campuses this evening and for the remainder of the week. We are aware that members of our community who live in the Camarillo/Oxnard area may be impacted by the Mountain Fire. Please prioritize your safety and the well-being of your families, friends, and homes, and support one another where possible. Contact your supervisor or professor to make arrangements if necessary.
The Mountain Fire continues to impact the Camarillo/Oxnard area, damaging structures and burning more than 10,000 acres. The fire is approximately 30 miles from the Malibu campus and is not a threat to any Pepperdine campuses. For the latest evacuation notices, visit the Ventura County Sheriff’s dashboard.
We encourage students who feel they may need support to reach out for assistance through HRL staff and the Counseling Center. Pastoral care is available from the team at the Hub for Spiritual Life. Contact Tim Spivey, vice president of spiritual life, to make an appointment. Human Resources is available to help employees, and faculty and staff may access counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program – details are available on the Human Resources website or by contacting Human Resources at 310.506.4397.
This will be the final update from the Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) unless conditions materially change which require additional notice to the Pepperdine community. Remember, the red flag warning continues through 11 a.m. Friday – please continue to be mindful of these elevated fire conditions.
Update #4 – Broad Fire Controlled | Mountain Fire Update
The Broad Fire is under control and does not pose a threat to campus. There is shared confidence in the ability of fire units on scene to control any further spread. Please consider this the final update on the Broad Fire unless notable developments occur. We anticipate that PCH, between Corral Canyon Road and Webb Way, will reopen later this afternoon. Air quality on campus remains within normal levels as the winds are blowing the smoke from the Broad Fire away from campus out to sea.
The Mountain Fire (in the Camarillo/Oxnard area, approximately 30 miles from the Malibu campus) continues to grow, and additional evacuation orders have been issued. There is no reported containment for this fire, but it is not threatening Pepperdine campuses. Winds in the area are blowing away from our campuses. The latest evacuation notices are posted on the Ventura County Sheriff’s dashboard.
The Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains has been extended through Friday at 11 AM.
Please check with event organizers regarding potential modifications to any campus events.
The next EOC update regarding the Mountain Fire will be provided to the community around 4 PM unless the situation materially changes between now and then.
Normal operations and classes continue on all Pepperdine campuses. We are aware that members of our community who live in the Camarillo or Oxnard areas may be impacted by the Mountain Fire. Please prioritize your safety and the wellbeing of your families, friends, and homes, and support one another where possible.
Update #3 – Wildfire Updates
Thank you for monitoring the many University communications that have been issued this morning, we have appreciated your support and engagement and will continue to update the community.
The EOC continues to monitor multiple wildfires with current updates in the Southern California area on several of the fires below.
- The Broad Fire is currently at 50 acres, forward progress has been stopped, and fire resources have begun mop up operations. Los Angeles County Fire has released all air resources, additionally signaling confidence that the fire is under control. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Corral Canyon and Webb Way is expected to remain closed into the afternoon.
- The Mountain Fire, burning between the 126 and 118 freeways, between Santa Paula and Moorpark, continues to move towards the southwest, and is currently reported at 1,500 acres. This fire is not threatening Pepperdine campuses. Ventura County Fire Incident command has requested considerable additional resources to assist with fire suppression.
Evacuation orders have been issued for:
- North Lewis Road to Los Posas Country Club to North of Loop Drive (Camarillo Heights Area)
- Unincorporated Somis
- West to: Saticoy Country Club
- East to Balcom Canyon Road
- South to Highway 118
While normal operations and classes continue on all Pepperdine campuses, we understand that members of the Pepperdine community may be impacted by these fires or related school closures. Please prioritize your safety and the wellbeing of your families, friends, and homes. Please use your judgment, communicate with your supervisor if applicable, and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Update #2 – Malibu Area Fire and Road Condition Updates
LA County Fire officials have reported that forward progress on the Broad fire has been stopped. PCH remains closed in both directions between Corral Canyon and Webb Way.
University officials were notified by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that Malibu Canyon has been closed from Seaver Drive to PCH. The remainder of Malibu Canyon remains open from Pepperdine’s Malibu Campus to the 101 freeway, though traffic lights are out at Malibu Canyon and Seaver Drive as well as at Malibu Canyon and Piuma Road.
Normal operations and classes continue on all Pepperdine campuses. Remember to drive safely, watch for blown debris, and approach non-functional traffic lights as all-way stop signs.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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