Students trapped in library as wildfire engulfs Malibu

In early December 2024, residents and students at Pepperdine University, situated just north of Malibu, California, faced an urgent situation as the Franklin Fire erupted nearby. Following the fire's rapid progression, the university issued a shelter-in-place order to ensure the safety of its students and personnel. This order, initiated around 1 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, directed approximately 3,000 individuals to seek refuge in designated fire-resistant buildings such as the library and student center, rather than attempting to navigate the dangerous surrounding roads. The decision was prompted by escalating concerns over the fire's aggressive movement through the area. The blaze had a significant impact on local infrastructure, leading to the shutdown of portions of the Pacific Coast Highway and prompting evacuation orders for over 2,000 nearby structures. Videos showcased students peering out from the library, witnessing the terrifying sight of flames leaping across Malibu Canyon. Gabrielle Salgado, a journalism major who was inside the library during the ordeal, shared her experience of observing the flames and expressed the alarming nature of their proximity. Pepperdine University officials communicated that there were no reported injuries or major damages to the campus itself, although smaller spot fires were noted on university grounds. The shelter-in-place order remained in effect until around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, when conditions improved enough for students and staff to safely exit the buildings. Classes and final examinations were suspended due to the ongoing power outages affecting various campus facilities. As the day progressed, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the Franklin Fire had expanded to cover an area exceeding 2,800 acres, raising further concerns about its future behavior and potential impact on nearby communities. While the campus infrastructure remained largely intact, the recent events highlighted the dangers posed by wildfires in California and the critical importance of emergency preparedness in educational institutions.