A wildfire near downtown Malibu, California, has escalated rapidly, tripling in size within just one hour, prompting mandatory evacuations and threatening key structures, including the iconic Malibu Pier.
Pepperdine University, located nearby, canceled classes on Tuesday as students sheltered on campus, watching the growing flames in the distance.
High winds and extremely low humidity are worsening conditions for the ire, with gusts reaching 40 mph and expected to intensify around dawn. Humidity levels have dropped to dangerously low levels, as low as 5%. A special spot forecast from the National Weather Service warns that “strong and damaging north to northeast winds are expected through at least late Tuesday morning, peaking around daybreak. While winds will weaken somewhat during Tuesday afternoon, critical fire weather conditions are very likely to persist into Wednesday.”
According to CALFire, the fire has already scorched more than 1,800 acres, expanding rapidly and nearly tripling in size in just one hour.
Evacuation orders have been issued for areas east of Malibu Canyon Road, south of Piuma Road, and the Serra Retreat area, where fire crews are battling the blaze. CNN affiliate KABC reported that approximately 6,000 people and more than 2,000 structures are under evacuation orders.
Videos filmed overnight at Pepperdine University show individuals walking across campus as the sky glows orange from the fire in the distance.
The university has instructed students to shelter in place in the campus library and student centre until daylight, and all classes and finals have been canceled for the day. Fire trucks have been stationed on campus, though the worst of the fire has passed, leaving only some spot fires to contend with.
“All community members on the Malibu campus are directed to shelter in place in the Tyler Campus Center or Payson Library,” the university said. “Despite any evacuation orders from Malibu city or surrounding areas, the University community should follow University instructions.” The library and student center are “well protected against any type of threat from the brush fire,” according to Pepperdine public information officer Michael Friel.
With dry conditions, gusty winds, and drought-stricken vegetation, the fire rapidly spreads and threatens lives and property. The City of Malibu has activated its Emergency Operations Centers, warning that the fire is growing at an “alarming rate.”
(CNN)
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