Pepperdine University Survives Close Call with Woolsey Fire
The Woolsey wildfire, which continues to scorch the area all around the school, got very close to the Pepperdine campus.
Pepperdine's students sheltered in place when the Woolsey fire threatened the campus. Photo: clipart.com
Students, faculty and administrators at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., are breathing a sigh of relief after dodging a bullet with the Woolsey wildfire this weekend.
The wildfire, which continues to scorch the area all around the school, got very close to the campus, but firefighters were able to push it back, reports KTLA. No permanent structures were lost, and all individuals on campus have been deemed safe. According to the school’s website, the campus remains free of any new significant flames, although hot spots could still occur.
When the fire broke out late last week, students were told to shelter in place because the buildings on campus were built to withstand fire. That said, some students who slept in the library wore masks because the building was smoky and hot.
School officials have cancelled classes at the Malibu and Calabasas campuses until after Thanksgiving. Classes are scheduled to resume Nov. 26.
“Classes impacted by the closure of the Malibu and Calabasas campuses will be administered remotely through a combination of online, email, and remote assignments,” the school said in a statement on Sunday.
California is experiencing what appears to be its worst wildfire season ever, with fires raging out of control in both the northern and southern parts of the state. So far, the death toll is 31. Additionally, first responders are looking for 230 people who have been reported missing, reports the Associated Press.
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About the Author
Robin Hattersley, Editor-in-Chief
Robin has been covering the security and campus law enforcement industries since 1998 and is a specialist in school, university and hospital security, public safety and emergency management, as well as emerging technologies and systems integration. She joined CS in 2005 and has authored award-winning editorial on campus law enforcement and security funding, officer recruitment and retention, access control, IP video, network integration, event management, crime trends, the Clery Act, Title IX compliance, sexual assault, dating abuse, emergency communications, incident management software and more. Robin has been featured on national and local media outlets and was formerly associate editor for the trade publication Security Sales & Integration. She obtained her undergraduate degree in history from California State University, Long Beach.
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