A cross overlooking Pepperdine University miraculously withstood a wildfire that broke out near the Malibu, California campus. and forced students to shelter in place earlier this week.
Video shared by the university on Wednesday shows a clearly visible hiking trail leading to an unscathed cross surrounded by scorched earth and vegetation.
The school shared words of wisdom from people who said they were “in tears” and “grateful to God” as they drew closer to the cross.
The cross sits atop a hiking trail that extends three miles into the Santa Monica Mountains.
Malibu wildfires force celebrities to flee luxury homes as destruction spreads
A crucifix sits atop the Santa Monica Mountains. Overlooking the campus of Pepperdine University in Malibu. California (Pepperdine University)
The original cross burned down during the Woolsey Fire in 2018. The current 20-foot-tall cross was placed there by the fraternity of Sigma Chi Fraternity, the school said in a statement. Blog post–
Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle the so-called Franklin fire. It was only 20% under control on Thursday.
The Franklin Fire spreads through the upscale city of Malibu. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The blaze was fueled by strong winds that blew through the region earlier this week. This made it difficult for firefighters to control the flames.
Firefighters struggle to control fast-moving Malibu wildfire. Ready to issue an evacuation order
The weather improved a lot on Wednesday. Until meteorologists ended all red flag warnings. which indicates fire danger. and the team was able to successfully resist the flames.
The city, about 45 miles north of Los Angeles, is famous for its rugged canyons. Stunning cliffs and the seaside mansions of celebrities
The Franklin fire sparked a shelter-in-place order at Pepperdine University in Malibu as flames surrounded the campus. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
More than 3,700 Malibu residents have been allowed to return home, but another 1,600 people with homes in the city remain under evacuation orders.
About 20,000 residents of the city and surrounding areas are affected by mandatory evacuation orders and warnings. Since the fire broke out on Monday evening
Franklin Fire rages across Malibu (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The evacuation order affected many celebrities living in the city, including Cher Jane Seymour and Dick Van Dyke, among many others.
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Early analysis It shows little or no damage to structures at Pepperdine University. Final exams have been postponed or cancelled. And faculty are deciding how best to finish the semester, which ends this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
