A cross that overlooks Pepperdine University has emerged as a symbol of resilience, having miraculously withstood a wildfire that threatened the Malibu, California campus earlier this week. This incident prompted students to shelter in place for safety. A video shared by the university on Wednesday highlighted the stark contrast between the untouched cross and the surrounding devastation, revealing a clear hiking trail that leads up to the cross, bordered by scorched dirt and charred vegetation.
One poignant moment captured in the university’s communications included an anonymous individual’s emotional response upon approaching the cross. They expressed feeling “teary-eyed” and “grateful to God,” a testament to the significance of the site amid such turmoil. The cross, an iconic landmark for the university community, is situated at the culmination of a three-mile hiking trail that traverses the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains.
In a historical context, this particular cross has a troubled past. The original structure tragically burned down during the Woolsey Fire in 2018. In response, a 20-foot cross was erected by members of the Sigma Chi fraternity, as noted in a blog post by the university. This replacement has now become a beacon of hope and faith, especially during the uncertain times caused by the ongoing wildfires.
As firefighters continue their efforts to combat the blaze, which has been designated the Franklin Fire, they faced tremendous challenges due to the wildfires’ rapid spread. As of Thursday, containment efforts achieved only about 20% effectiveness. The flames grew considerably when fierce winds swept through the area at the beginning of the week, significantly hampering control efforts by fire crews.
Fortunately, meteorological conditions improved by Wednesday, resulting in the discontinuation of all red flag warnings, which signify high fire danger. With less threatening weather, firefighting teams were able to gain the upper hand on the flames, encouraging optimism amid the devastation.
Malibu, a city known for its rugged canyons, picturesque bluffs, and celebrity-filled seaside homes, is located approximately 45 miles north of Los Angeles. The ongoing crisis impacted the local population significantly, with more than 3,700 residents being allowed back to their homes after initial evacuations. However, around 1,600 residents remained under evacuation orders as the situation evolved. To date, approximately 20,000 individuals in Malibu and surrounding areas have been subject to mandatory evacuation directives and alerts since the outbreak of the fire late Monday.
The evacuation measures had a notable impact on numerous celebrities residing in Malibu, including iconic figures such as Cher, award-winning actress Jane Seymour, and legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke, all of whom were forced to vacate their luxury homes amid the wildfire threat.
In addition to the concerns over community safety, the impacts reached the academic environment at Pepperdine University. Early assessments indicated that structures on the campus sustained little to no damage. Still, the academic calendar faced interruptions, leading to the postponement or cancellation of final exams. Faculty members are currently grappling with the challenges of adjusting the semester’s conclusion, which is set to wrap up by the end of this week.
As this situation unfolds, additional reports from the Associated Press have provided ongoing updates regarding the wildfire’s impact on the community and the university. The effort to restore normalcy continues, intertwined with the hope that the enduring presence of the cross symbolizes for many. The resilience shown by the Pepperdine community, alongside the bravery of the firefighters battling the Franklin Fire, reflects the spirit that thrives amidst adversity.
