Latest Event Updates
Update #10 – Malibu Campus / Franklin Fire Update
Fire activity around Pepperdine’s Malibu campus has greatly diminished as the Franklin Fire has burned through most of the fuel immediately surrounding campus, but some flames are still visible in small pockets of campus. Firefighters continue to respond to and put out lingering hot spots and protect structures. Early analysis indicates there has been little to no damage to structures around campus, and no injuries have been reported. The EOC continues to monitor conditions on campus and within the local Malibu area while firefighters put out lingering fires. The community will remain in the shelter-in-place protocol in the Payson Library and the Tyler Campus Center overnight, and an announcement will be made in the morning when it can be lifted.
With regard to the ongoing power outage, Southern California Edison (SCE) has indicated that they must inspect their circuits before restoring power. They also require confirmation from response agencies that roadways and conditions are safe to proceed with these inspections, which they anticipate will occur tomorrow morning.
Current road conditions are noted below:
- Malibu Canyon Road remains closed from Mulholland Drive to PCH;
- PCH is closed from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Kanan Dume Road, with no current exit access turning right from John Tyler Drive.
Franklin Fire – Update #9
This afternoon, the Franklin Fire came over a ridge on the north end of campus just to the east side of the Drescher campus, and it has since burned down to Huntsinger Circle and moved in the brush to the west/southwest (near the Malibu Country Estates). Firefighting resources are in place. Our students and community continue to shelter in place in the Payson Library and the Waves Cafe, remaining calm. The University is not aware of any significant structural damage at this time, and the EOC continues to closely monitor the situation.
Operations for Tomorrow Wednesday December 11 – Update #8
Pepperdine’s operations on the Malibu campus will again be modified tomorrow due to the Franklin Fire. As such, Critical Support Personnel should check in with their supervisors about whether they should report to campus or work remotely. All other Malibu campus staff should remain in contact with their supervisor and plan to work remotely. All other campuses remain open and operational.
The EOC will continue to monitor the Franklin Fire overnight, as Red Flag conditions including high winds and low humidity are forecast through 8 PM tomorrow. Additionally, power remains out on the Malibu campus, and the shelter-in-place protocol is currently in place for the evening.
The safety of our employees is paramount. Critical support personnel should use caution and exercise good judgment when traveling to campus and may encounter roadblocks. Current road conditions are noted below:
- Malibu Canyon Road remains closed from Mulholland Drive to PCH;
- PCH is closed from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Kanan Dume Road;
- PCH westbound from John Tyler is open, but any vehicle that leaves campus in that direction will not be able to return as PCH is closed eastbound; and
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which is closed to all but local traffic.
Shelter in Place for Tonight – Update #7
Pepperdine students on the Malibu campus are required to shelter in place in the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library beginning at 4:30 PM as power remains out. Students should plan to be in a shelter location for the duration of the night. Student Affairs staff will be in both locations throughout the night as well as having food, power, water, and communications.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
You must be logged in to post a comment.