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Panic at Pepperdine University: Students Shelter in Place as Wildfires Threaten Malibu

In Citizen
January 13, 2025

Wildfires in the United States

Wildfires in the United States

Wildfires in the United States

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There was panic at Pepperdine University in Malibu due to wildfires threatening the city. Although no buildings were damaged and no one was hurt, students had to spend a stressful night staying put while thousands of people in the surrounding area were forced to evacuate.

Written by Corina Knoll and Isabelle Taft

Corina Knoll provided coverage from Los Angeles, while Isabelle Taft reported from New York.

The dormitories were without electricity, and there was no cell phone reception. Small fires had started on the school property, igniting palm trees. Helicopters were landing to collect water from a pond on campus.

The students assembled in the library and campus center, some wearing pajamas, to see a worrying scene outside the windows: mountains engulfed in flames not too far away, with smoke billowing into the dark sky.

They contacted their mom and dad. They engaged in prayer.

On Tuesday morning, a large group of people, including students, faculty, and staff, gathered at Pepperdine University. The university, located in Malibu, is known for its beautiful countryside surroundings and views of the ocean.

The Franklin fire, driven by strong winds, swept through the Santa Monica Mountains and led to the evacuation of thousands of residents from Malibu. Malibu is known for its beautiful beaches and famous residents. Schools were shut down, and people were instructed to leave the area.

The fire caused a section of the Pacific Coast Highway to be closed, which is an important road for entering and exiting the city. The flames crossed the highway and posed a threat to the Malibu Pier, a well-liked tourist spot. By Wednesday morning, the wildfire had burned almost 3,900 acres, and authorities mentioned that strong gusts of wind reaching 60 miles per hour were making it difficult for the over 700 firefighters working to control the fire.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County fire chief Anthony C. Marrone stated that there will be a strategic plan in place for both aerial and ground attacks on the fire until it is fully contained.

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