Update #3 – Wildfire Updates

Posted on November 6, 2024, 11:56 AM

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

Posted on November 6, 2024, 10:58 AM Updated on November 8, 2024, 11:27 AM

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.

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.