Caltech Campus Shutdown
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena closed its campus except for all nonessential operations and canceled classes due to the nearby Eaton Fire. Only essential staff, emergency responders, and residents are allowed on the premises. Air quality and potential flying debris are top concerns, prompting officials to advise wearing good-quality masks and taking necessary precautions. Power remains on at the campus, and a full assessment for damage is underway.
Student residents are safe, have access to food, water, masks and emergency supplies, and have been asked to remain and stay off roadways.
Pepperdine University Response
The Palisades Fire forced Pepperdine University to close both its Calabasas and Malibu campuses. As of 5:15 p.m. PT, the fire covered 2,900 acres and was still 3.5 miles east of the Malibu campus. The university canceled law school exams for the day, moved on-campus classes to remote, and asked employees to work remotely if possible.
Status of Other Schools
Other schools in the area remained operational on Wednesday afternoon but took precautions in case fires escalated. The University of Southern California (USC) monitored the situation and advised impacted employees to reach out to supervisors for support and potential remote work options. An operator at the USC hotel confirmed it was fully booked with students and staff coordinating with emergency housing. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) continued full operations and in-person classes, stating no fires posed an immediate threat and air quality was normal, though operational teams remained on standby.
