Latest Event Updates
Red Flag Warning – Extended Through November 8, 2024
The National Weather Service extended the Red Flag Warning issued earlier this week for the Santa Monica Mountains through November 8, 2024 at 11 AM due to Santa Ana winds and low humidities.
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.
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.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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