A cross overlooking Pepperdine University miraculously withstood a wildfire that came dangerously close to the Malibu, California, campus earlier this week, forcing the evacuation of students.
A video shared by the campus on Wednesday shows a clearly visible hiking trail leading to an intact cross surrounded by burnt dirt and vegetation.
The school shared the unattributed words of a person who said he “became teary-eyed” and “thanked God” as he approached the cross.
This cross stands at the top of a three-mile hiking trail into the Santa Monica Mountains.
Celebrities forced to evacuate luxury homes as damage from Malibu wildfires spreads
A cross atop the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. (Pepperdine University)
The original cross was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. The current 20-foot-tall cross was placed there by Sigma Chi fraternity brothers, the school announced. blog post.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle the blaze, known as the Franklin Fire, which was only 20% contained as of Thursday.
The Franklin Fire rages through the upscale city of Malibu. (Tama Mario/Getty Images)
The fire was caused by strong winds that blew through the area earlier in the week, making it difficult for firefighters to control the blaze.
Firefighters struggle to bring fast-moving Malibu wildfire under control, prompting evacuation orders
As the weather improved significantly on Wednesday, meteorologists canceled all red flag warnings indicating a high risk of fire, and crews were able to successfully contain the blaze.
The city, about 72 miles north of Los Angeles, is known for its rugged canyons, stunning cliffs, and celebrity beachfront mansions.
The Franklin Fire engulfed the campus at Pepperdine University in Malibu, prompting a shelter-in-place order. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
More than 3,700 Malibu residents have been allowed to return to their homes, but an additional 1,600 people who live in the city remain under evacuation orders. a
About 20,000 residents in the city and nearby areas have been affected by mandatory evacuation orders and warnings since the fire broke out late Monday, officials said.
The Franklin Fire rages through Malibu. (Tama Mario/Getty Images)
The evacuation order affected many famous people living in the city, including Cher, Jane Seymour, and Dick Van Dyke.
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Initial analysis shows little to no damage to structures at Pepperdine University. Final exams were postponed or canceled, and teachers were considering how best to end the semester, which ends this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
