The Franklin Fire, which ignited late Monday near Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, has created a dramatic scene of destruction and resilience. While the wildfire scorched vast swaths of land, miraculously sparing the iconic cross overlooking the campus, it forced thousands of residents, including numerous celebrities, to evacuate their homes and disrupted the final week of the semester for Pepperdine students. The image of the unscathed cross amidst the charred landscape has become a symbol of hope and faith for the community, with witnesses expressing profound gratitude for its survival.
The cross, a prominent landmark situated at the peak of a three-mile hiking trail extending into the Santa Monica Mountains, has a history intertwined with fire. The original cross was destroyed during the devastating Woolsey Fire in 2018, which ravaged the region and left a lasting scar on the landscape. The current 20-foot cross, erected by the Sigma Chi fraternity brothers, stands as a testament to the community’s spirit of rebuilding and resilience. Its survival in the face of the Franklin Fire is viewed as a divine intervention by many, offering solace and strength amid the widespread devastation.
The Franklin Fire, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds earlier in the week, rapidly spread through the rugged canyons and picturesque bluffs of Malibu, challenging firefighters’ efforts to contain the blaze. These strong winds created extremely dangerous fire conditions, prompting authorities to issue red flag warnings and mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of residents. The fire’s path threatened not only the natural beauty of the area but also the numerous luxury homes, including those of celebrities such as Cher, Jane Seymour, and Dick Van Dyke, who were forced to flee the advancing flames.
As of Thursday, the fire was only 20% contained, a testament to the difficult terrain and the fire’s rapid spread. However, a shift in weather conditions on Wednesday, with the cessation of the Santa Ana winds and the lifting of red flag warnings, brought a glimmer of hope. The improved weather allowed firefighters to make significant progress in containing the fire, pushing back against the flames and preventing further spread. This positive development signaled a turning point in the battle against the blaze, although the fire remained a significant threat.
The evacuation orders, affecting approximately 20,000 residents in Malibu and surrounding areas, have gradually been lifted, allowing over 3,700 residents to return to their homes. However, around 1,600 residents remained under evacuation orders as firefighters continued to work tirelessly to contain the remaining hot spots and secure the area. The return of residents signifies a gradual return to normalcy, although the scars of the fire and the emotional toll on the community will likely linger.
The fire’s impact on Pepperdine University was significant, though initial assessments indicate minimal structural damage. The university took swift action to protect its students, implementing shelter-in-place protocols during the height of the fire. The disruption to academic life was substantial, with final exams either postponed or canceled. Faculty members are currently working to determine the best course of action to complete the semester, which was scheduled to end this week. The university’s resilience and the survival of the iconic cross serve as a source of inspiration for the students, faculty, and the wider community as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
