Students at Pepperdine refuse to evacuate despite nearby wildfire

In Southern California, the Franklin Fire prompted evacuation orders for around 18,000 residents, which included high-profile residents and prompted widespread concern. Despite the proximity of the flames to the Pepperdine University campus, approximately 3,000 students were instructed to shelter-in-place rather than evacuate. This strategy has been part of the university's emergency response plan since the 1990s, designed to ensure safety during fast-moving wildfires, particularly given the rugged and hilly terrain surrounding the campus, which limits evacuation routes. The unique access issues during emergencies are further complicated by traffic congestion, especially on the Pacific Coast Highway where the university is located. According to Michael Friel, the senior director of Communications and Public Relations at Pepperdine, evacuating a large student population could exacerbate risks associated with hazardous driving conditions. Given the rapid nature of wildfires, there isn’t always enough time to safely evacuate within such a short timespan. Additionally, the campus enhances safety by maintaining defensible space around buildings and having firefighting water reservoirs. As the fire approached, students found refuge in communal spaces, such as the library, which saw an influx of students during final exams. In one accounts, student Nick Gerding described how he and others were awaiting updates while sheltering from the escalating threat outside. The Pepperdine University community has expressed a mix of support and concern regarding the shelter-in-place policy, with some residents nearby protesting the approach during local community meetings. They argue it diverts firefighting resources from other areas and raises questions about the rationale behind allowing students to stay on campus. Despite some backlash from the surrounding community, Pepperdine's policy has received backing from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This collaboration has been vital to adequately prepare the campus for potential fire emergencies, which the university claims has led to (and will continue to promote) a secure environment for its students and staff during such crises. Ultimately, while debates about the effectiveness of this strategy continue, the shelter-in-place policy reflects specific considerations of the campus's unique geography and safety preparedness for wildfires.