The tranquil Malibu campus of Pepperdine University, known for its picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and serene surroundings, became the unexpected site of chaos and courage during the Franklin Fire. For one student, the harrowing experience of witnessing a wildfire sweeping through the campus brought a profound sense of fear, solidarity, and resilience. This is their story, a firsthand account of how a community came together in the face of a NBCnews.
The Calm Before the Storm
On a seemingly ordinary day, students at Pepperdine University were going about their routines—attending classes, studying in the library, or enjoying the outdoors. The idyllic setting of the university, nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains, often gave a sense of safety, even as Southern California’s wildfire season approached.
The student, whose perspective shapes this recount, described the day as peaceful until the first signs of danger appeared. “I noticed a faint smell of smoke in the air during my afternoon class,” they said. “At first, I thought it was just a small brushfire somewhere far away, but within hours, the situation escalated.”
The Alarming Realization
Wildfires in California are not uncommon, but when the Franklin Fire began its rapid spread due to high winds and dry conditions, it became evident that this was no ordinary incident. By late afternoon, the smoke was no longer a distant haze but a thick, suffocating presence that obscured the horizon.
Pepperdine’s emergency alert system sprang into action, sending notifications to students and faculty about the growing threat. The university had a comprehensive wildfire response plan in place, but nothing could fully prepare the community for what was about to unfold.
The student recalled, “The alerts on my phone were coming in quick succession. Evacuation routes were outlined, but then we got a message saying that it might be safer to shelter in place. That’s when the gravity of the situation hit me.”
A Campus Transformed
As the fire approached, the campus transformed from a peaceful academic haven to a site of urgency and activity. The university’s emergency response team worked tirelessly to direct students to designated safe zones. The student described the surreal experience of seeing the campus, usually bustling with life, now filled with the acrid smell of smoke and the distant crackle of flames.
“Walking to the Firestone Fieldhouse, where we were told to gather, felt like walking through a scene from a disaster movie,” the student said. “The sky was an eerie shade of orange, and ash was falling like snow. It was terrifying but also strangely unifying because everyone was looking out for each other.”
Sheltering in Place: A Community United
Pepperdine’s shelter-in-place strategy is a unique approach designed for situations where evacuating the campus could pose greater risks. The university’s fire-resistant buildings and well-maintained defensible spaces make it one of the few institutions in the region prepared to shelter its community during a wildfire.
The student described the atmosphere inside the shelter as tense but supportive. “Everyone was scared, but there was this sense of camaraderie. People were sharing snacks, comforting each other, and even trying to lighten the mood with jokes. It was a testament to the strength of the Pepperdine community.”
Emergency personnel were on-site, providing updates and ensuring that everyone was accounted for. The student praised the efforts of both the university staff and first responders. “They were incredible, staying calm under pressure and making sure we felt as safe as possible.”
The Fire’s Impact: Destruction and Survival
The Franklin Fire eventually reached the outskirts of the campus, burning through the surrounding hills and threatening several university buildings. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters and the university’s preparedness, the fire’s damage was limited, and no lives were lost. However, the experience left an indelible mark on those who lived through it.
“I remember looking out a window and seeing flames in the distance,” the student recounted. “It was both mesmerizing and horrifying. Knowing that so much was at stake—our homes, our school, our lives—made it impossible to look away.”
The student also described the emotional toll of the event. “Even though we were physically safe, the uncertainty was overwhelming. We didn’t know how long we’d have to stay in the shelter or what we’d find once it was safe to leave.”
Aftermath and Reflection
Once the fire was under control, students were allowed to leave the shelter and return to their dorms or evacuation points. The student described the relief of stepping outside and seeing the campus still standing. “It felt like a miracle. There was damage, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. We were incredibly lucky.”
In the days that followed, the university focused on recovery efforts, providing counseling services and resources to help students process the experience. Classes were temporarily suspended, and the community rallied to support those who had been affected the most.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the student said, “It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life, but it also showed me how resilient we are as a community. People came together in ways I never imagined, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Lessons Learned: Preparedness and Resilience
The Franklin Fire underscored the importance of wildfire preparedness, particularly in regions like Southern California, where such events are a recurring threat. Pepperdine’s proactive measures—such as fire-resistant building designs, defensible landscaping, and a well-coordinated emergency response plan—played a crucial role in minimizing the impact of the fire.
The student emphasized the value of these precautions. “It’s easy to take things like fire drills and emergency alerts for granted until you’re in a situation like this. Knowing that the university had a plan made all the difference.”
The event also highlighted the need for continued education and awareness about wildfire risks. The student expressed hope that their story would inspire others to take such threats seriously and to prepare accordingly.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
The student concluded their account with a message of gratitude for the firefighters, first responders, and university staff who worked tirelessly to protect the campus and its residents. “They are the real heroes. Without their efforts, things could have been so much worse.”
They also shared a message of hope for the future. “Wildfires are a reality we have to face, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By coming together, staying prepared, and supporting each other, we can get through anything.”
Conclusion: A Community Forever Changed
The Franklin Fire was a life-changing experience for the Pepperdine community, leaving behind both physical scars and emotional memories. For this student, it was a moment of fear, resilience, and ultimately, unity. Their story serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in adversity and the importance of community in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.