Pepperdine University lifted its shelter-in-place order Tuesday morning due to the Franklin Fire in Los Angeles County, California, but warned it could reinstate protocols if conditions worsen. Pepperdine has been providing updates on the matter on social media, with the latest update saying the shelter-in-place order was lifted after assessing the situation on campus at dawn.
“Conditions on campus are safe for community members to return to residence halls and on-campus homes,” the university said. I wrote on X. “As initial response continues to the Franklin Fire, which continues to threaten Malibu, the community is strongly encouraged to remain on campus and stay off Malibu roadways.”
After assessing the situation on campus at dawn, the university will lift the shelter-in-place protocol. Campus conditions are safe for community members to return to residence halls and on-campus homes. The community is strongly encouraged to stay and remain on campus.
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
According to fox newsPepperdine has ordered students to shelter in place until at least daylight (just before 7 a.m. PT).
picture posted online It shows students staying inside campus buildings and watching the fire rage.
Viewed by Pepperdine University students #FranklinFire Burn #malibu From inside the campus building https://t.co/p8n9vJHVCA pic.twitter.com/nzFTiEFYdT
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) December 10, 2024
“The university understands that the worst of the fire is behind Pepperdine,” the previous report said. update Posted in Read by X. “However, there are small spot fires occurring on campus that do not pose a threat to life or buildings, and firefighting resources remain on campus to respond to these spot fires when they occur.”
The university understands the worst of the fire is behind Pepperdine. However, small spot fires that do not pose a threat to life or buildings occur on campus, and firefighting resources remain on campus to respond to these spot fires should they occur. Moreover, the power remains out…
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) December 10, 2024
“Furthermore, as power continues to be out in much of Malibu, we will maintain shelter-in-place protocols until at least nightfall to ensure the safety of our community. EOC will continue to provide updates to our community. I will.”
Officials say at least 1,700 acres have already been burned. According to CBS Morningthe fire is similar to a wildfire that broke out last month, killing at least three people, burning about 200,000 acres and destroying more than 200 homes.
Mandatory evacuations are in place across Southern California as an explosive wildfire breaks out in Malibu.
Officials said strong winds caused the fire to spread and have already burned at least 1,700 acres. Pepperdine University students have been told to shelter in place. pic.twitter.com/WS6wrVScQy
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) December 10, 2024
Even though shelter-in-place protocols were lifted, Pepperdine canceled classes on Tuesday and postponed final exams to a later date. No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, residents in the area have been evacuated, and some have been advised to evacuate.
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, units are deployed on the ground and in the air.
The fire started at 10:50 p.m. Monday night and the cause is under investigation, according to Cal Fire.
Prayers for those affected by the Franklin fire
Heavenly Father,
We cheer Pepperdine University's students, staff, and community as they face the challenges posed by the Franklin Fire. We pray for Your protection on all at risk, strength for first responders, and comfort for those in fear and displacement. May your peace and provision surround them, and may the fire be quickly extinguished.
Amen.
Photo credit: © Getty Images/Kara Capaldo
