Pepperdine University cross endures Franklin Fire: "Thankful for God's protection"
The Franklin Fire threatened Pepperdine students, prompting them to take shelter on campus.
Earlier this week, a wildfire came dangerously close to Pepperdine University's Malibu, California, campus, forcing students to shelter in place.
On Wednesday, a video posted by the campus revealed a visible hiking trail leading to an untouched cross amidst scorched earth and vegetation.
The quote, "teary-eyed and grateful to God," was shared by someone who became emotional as they approached the cross.
The hiking trail in the Santa Monica Mountains extends three miles, with a cross positioned at its summit.
The Sigma Chi fraternity brothers erected a new 20-foot cross on the site where the original one burned down during the Woolsey Fire in 2018.
The Franklin Fire, which is only 20% contained, continues to be fought by firefighters on Thursday.
At the start of the week, strong winds swept through the region, making it challenging for firefighters to control the flames.
On Wednesday, the weather improved significantly, causing meteorologists to discontinue all red flag warnings and allowing firefighting crews to successfully push back against the flames.
The city, situated approximately 45 miles north of Los Angeles, is renowned for its rugged canyons, breathtaking bluffs, and the opulent seaside mansions of celebrities.
While over 3,700 Malibu residents have been permitted to return to their homes, approximately 1,600 individuals with properties in the city continue to be subject to evacuation orders.
Since the fire started on Monday night, over 20,000 people in the city and surrounding areas have been impacted by evacuation orders and alerts.
Many celebrities living in the city, including Cher, Jane Seymour, and Dick Van Dyke, were affected by the evacuation orders.
Despite early analysis, there is minimal damage to structures at Pepperdine University. Due to the postponement or cancellation of final exams, faculty members are currently determining the best way to complete the semester, which ends this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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