Update #1 – EOC Monitoring Multiple Wildfires

Posted on November 6, 2024, 10:24 AM

Currently, no fires are threatening Pepperdine campuses, and the University’s Emergency Operations Committee is closely monitoring all conditions. Smoke and flames are visible from the Malibu campus because of the Broad Fire along PCH. All lanes of PCH are closed in both directions from Corral Canyon to Webb Way. Please avoid this area to allow resources to focus on fire suppression. 

Normal operations and classes continue on all Pepperdine campuses. Due to the road closures on PCH, some community members may have challenges reaching campus and should reach out to their professors/supervisors as appropriate. 

Traffic lights are out at Malibu Canyon and Seaver Drive, and at Malibu Canyon and Piuma Road. Remember to drive safely, watch for blown debris, and approach non-functional traffic lights as all way stop signs. 

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 still not considered to pose a threat to campus. Winds are blowing from the northeast towards the southwest, pushing the fire away from campus. The fire has burned 40 acres, crossed Old Malibu Road, and is threatening structures, with multiple structures on fire. LA County Fire is utilizing Alumni Park for air operations.

• The Mountain Fire, burning between the 126 and 118 freeways, between Santa Paula and Moorpark, is moving towards the southwest, and is currently at 250 acres with the potential to grow to 2,000 acres. Structures are being threatened near Bradley Road and Coyote Canyon.
  • Fire officials have issued evacuation orders to the southwest of the fire which include parts of Camarillo. Additionally, they have requested a closure of the 118 freeway in both directions. 

Please be advised of the following:

• Community members whose off campus homes are affected by the fire, road closures, or evacuation orders should follow the directions of their local governmental agencies. 
• The City of Malibu has asked residents in the immediate area of the Board fire to remain in their homes. Note this instruction does not apply to Pepperdine. If a fire impacts the Malibu Campus the EOC will issue instructions and may initiate its shelter in place protocols.  
• Road condition information is available on the University’s Road Condition hotline at 310.506.ROAD (7623).
• The latest information from Pepperdine’s EOC is also available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.

Wildfire and Public Safety Power Shutoff Preparedness

Posted on November 5, 2024, 1:19 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from 4 AM on Wednesday until 6 PM on Thursday. The forecast weather includes Santa Ana winds of 45-60 MPH, with gusts up to 60-80 MPH in the mountains and foothills, and humidity levels of 8-15 percent by Wednesday afternoon. Based on this forecast, the University is preparing the Malibu campus accordingly. You may see things like the removal of umbrellas and patio furniture this afternoon among other preparations. Additionally, remember to drive safely, watch for blown debris, and approach non-functional traffic lights as all way stop signs. 

All classes and normal operations on all southern California campuses are expected to continue this week. Pepperdine’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) is closely monitoring the situation and, if conditions change, will communicate with the Pepperdine community with additional information and instructions. Be mindful of impacts to campus events, many of which may need to move inside, and check with event planners for details. 

During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive power outage in an effort to prevent starting a wildfire. This may result in the temporary loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. More information on PSPS and preparation tips can be found here. 

In the event of a wildfire, the Pepperdine EOC may activate the University’s Shelter-In-Place plans for the Malibu campus, in which the Pepperdine community stays on campus in designated buildings equipped with shelter, food, water, and medical and counseling services. This plan, approved annually by the LA County Fire Department, has effectively protected the Pepperdine community during past wildfires.
For further information on Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans, please visit the University’s Emergency Information Page.

Red Flag Warning – November 6-7, 2024

Posted on November 5, 2024, 9:00 AM Updated on November 5, 2024, 8:45 AM

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 4 AM to Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6 PM due to strong Santa Ana winds with gusts up to 60-80 MPH in the mountains and foothills and widespread guests of 45-60 MPH. Additionally, humidity levels are expected to lower to 8-15% by Wednesday afternoon and may remain at these low levels into Thursday.

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.