{ "id": "2025-01-07-azusa-pacific-university-eaton-fire-campus-closure", "slug": "azusa-pacific-university-eaton-fire-campus-closure-2025-01-07", "institution": { "name": "Azusa Pacific University", "shortName": "APU", "state": "CA", "type": "private-masters", "alertSystemName": "APU Emergency Notification", "enrollment": 6272 }, "incident": { "date": "2025-01-07", "endDate": "2025-01-13", "type": "wildfire", "cleryCategory": "emergency-notification", "resolution": "resolved", "headline": "Classes canceled and residential students told to remain indoors", "headlinePublic": "Classes canceled and residential students told to remain indoors", "summary": "Seven archived Everbridge messages on the [APU response page](https://www.apu.edu/response/) cancel classes for the Eaton Fire, tell residential students to remain indoors, then resume operations and later report no immediate threat to the campuses.", "outcome": "Classes were canceled the night of January 7 and on January 8. A 6:50 p.m. message set a resume for January 9. The January 13 update said the fire posed no immediate threat to the campuses." }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "initial", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Classes and work are cancelled tonight and all day tomorrow at the Azusa and Monrovia campuses due to surrounding wind and fire conditions and on advice of Azusa Police Department. Please exercise caution as you travel. Azusa Police Department has requested that all residential students remain on campus and are strongly encouraged to remain indoors out of an abundance of caution. Food service will remain available on East Campus.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 10:25 p.m. cancellation", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 4ca990326ab23f9d6eefd61bc2a4fe87c265cb136aae465f439d0f3f0d5a1ad5.", "The archive prints the clock and not the calendar date. The next message, at 11:25 p.m., says tomorrow is Wednesday, January 8, 2025, so this notice is the evening of January 7.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 433, "timestamp": "2025-01-07T22:25:00-08:00" }, { "sequence": 2, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Dear APU Community,\n\nAzusa Pacific University’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the Department of Campus Safety are monitoring the various fires in Southern California for impact to our main and regional campuses.\n\nWith some of our students, faculty, and staff living in close proximity to the Eaton Fire; hazardous conditions on Southern California roads and freeways due to wind debris and closures; and on advice from the Azusa Police Department, we have cancelled classes tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, for our Azusa and Monrovia campuses. APD has requested that all residential students stay on campus and are strongly encouraged to remain indoors out of an abundance of caution. Food service will be available on East Campus.\n\nEssential employees are expected to report to work. Check with your supervisor if you need clarification. Nonessential employees should work remotely if possible. Those displaced or without internet access, please alert your supervisor.\n\nThe Eaton Fire burning in Altadena has prompted evacuations as high winds are driving rapid fire growth and posing significant threat to nearby communities and making containment efforts challenging. Firefighters are working to slow the spread and protect critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. The combination of low humidity, dry fuels, and shifting winds has heightened the potential for spot fires and rapid expansion.\n\nIf there is a need to evacuate any APU campuses, you will receive information from APU through the following communication channels: a text and phone call (via Everbridge, APU’s emergency communication system), an email from CIRT to your apu.edu email address, and an announcement on the APU website and social media.\n\nFor the latest updates, visit or follow: CAL FIRE @L.A. County Fire\n\nWe pray for the health, safety, and wellness of our APU Community and all of our first responders on the frontlines. If you have any questions, email our Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) at [email protected].\n\nThank you,\n\nCIRT and the Department of Campus Safety", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 11:25 p.m. update", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 733a74e16dd29eeba45029d22f772895434c5eb8f2c4382f6a3342a290ab434c.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 2080, "timestamp": "2025-01-07T23:25:00-08:00" }, { "sequence": 3, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "With safety as our first priority, classes are cancelled at ALL APU campus locations, and chapel is also canceled at the Azusa campus, for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to the extensive winds (severe warnings added for Riverside County Mountains, San Diego County Mountains, and San Diego County Valleys), number of active fires (stretching fire resources), evacuations, power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and air quality issues in many areas throughout Southern California. We continue to pray for responders and those impacted by the fires and winds.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 8:17 a.m. all-campus cancellation", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 5e4489bf2c0286bf4217209c2d1274a868cc30c888b56606ff46800089097799.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 563, "timestamp": "2025-01-08T08:17:00-08:00" }, { "sequence": 4, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Dear APU Community,\n\nThis is an important update regarding the current weather and fire conditions in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas, including Azusa. In addition to the previously issued High Wind Warning and Extreme Fire Weather Alert, we are actively monitoring the Eaton Fire that is burning in the San Gabriel Mountains. There is currently no immediate threat or evacuation warnings or evacuation orders that affect the City of Azusa and APU.\n\nIf there is an immediate threat, a mass notification will be sent via our Everbridge application, which allows us to communicate with the entire community by text, phone call, and email. With safety as our first priority, all classes have been canceled today at all APU campuses.\n\nKey Updates\n\nEaton Fire\n\nThe Eaton Fire is currently active in Los Angeles County, affecting cities such as Altadena, Pasadena, and Monrovia, and is being closely monitored by APU’s Critical Incident Response Team.\n\nThere are no current evacuation warnings or orders affecting the City of Azusa or Azusa Pacific University.\n\nFaculty, staff, and students residing in affected areas may experience road closures, poor air quality, and potential evacuation orders.\n\nPower Safety: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) may occur in high-risk fire areas. Prepare for potential power outages by having flashlights, charged devices, and emergency supplies on hand.\n\nWind Conditions\n\nSustained winds of 45-55 mph, with isolated gusts of 65-100 mph, continue to impact Southern California. These winds exacerbate fire spread and can create hazardous conditions.\n\nFire Risk\n\nExtreme fire weather conditions persist due to strong winds and low humidity, increasing the likelihood of additional fires.\n\nSafety Guidelines\n\nWildfire Preparedness\n\nStay informed by monitoring updates from local authorities.\n\nReport smoke or fire immediately by dialing 911 and providing your exact location.\n\nFamiliarize yourself with the Ready! Set! Go! Wildfire Action Plan, available at fire.lacounty.gov/rsg . For live brush fire information and evacuation updates, please visit the Watch Duty website. Other resources include CAL FIRE and @L.A. County Fire .\n\nEvacuation Readiness\n\nBe prepared for potential evacuation orders if you live near fire-affected areas.\n\nKeep a “go bag” with essential items, including identification, medications, and emergency supplies.\n\nAir Quality Awareness\n\nPoor air quality is expected in areas near the Eaton Fire.\n\nLimit outdoor activities and use N95 masks if needed.\n\nHigh Wind Safety\n\nAvoid outdoor activities during peak wind periods.\n\nSecure outdoor furniture and other loose items to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles.\n\nDriving Safety\n\nUse caution when driving in areas affected by smoke or high winds, as visibility and road conditions may be poor.\n\nAvoid driving near or over downed utility lines.\n\nResources for Students (Azusa Campus)\n\nCounseling Services: For emotional support related to fire or weather impacts, reach out to the University Counseling Center at https://www.apu.edu/apucares/\n\nCampus Safety: Report hazards such as downed power lines, fallen trees, or other safety concerns to the Campus Safety Department at (626) 815-5000.\n\nEmergency Contacts\n\nLife-Threatening Emergency: 911\n\nCampus Safety: (626) 815-5000\n\nRisk, Safety, and Emergency Management: (626) 815-2000\n\nFacilities Management: (626) 812-3002\n\nWe will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Your safety is our highest priority, and we encourage everyone to remain informed and take the necessary precautions. Continue to pray for the first responders and all those impacted by these conditions.\n\nThank you,\n\nCIRT and the Department of Campus Safety", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 10:28 a.m. update", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 275119161e433fdc728f5fa486c87bf7b43f01e289b303276bba4e9540e2c11a.", "The archive prints the clock and the word today. The 8:17 a.m. message names Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and the 6:50 p.m. message says tomorrow is Thursday, January 9.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 3715, "timestamp": "2025-01-08T10:28:00-08:00" }, { "sequence": 5, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Dear APU Community,\n\nGiven current conditions, all classes and work will resume tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, on all APU campuses. Students in clinicals or internships may connect as needed with faculty and supervisors for further instructions.\n\nFaculty, staff, or students who may have been personally impacted by the fires should reach out to the following: chair/dean (faculty), supervisor (staff), and faculty members (students), if they need to be absent and/or request an accommodation. We are still monitoring conditions and consulting with local law enforcement. If the situation changes overnight, we will provide an update via Everbridge.\n\nIf you identify safety concerns upon your return to campus, please notify the Department of Campus Safety or Department of Risk Management. If you encounter other issues with your work location, please visit Inside APU (formerly Total Access) to submit a Campus Work Order, found under Everyday Links and organized by location.\n\nFor the latest updates, visit or follow: CAL FIRE @L.A. County Fire Watch Duty Brush Fire Alerts\n\nWe continue to pray for any members of the APU Community affected as well as all of our first responders on the frontlines. If you have any questions, email our Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) at [email protected].\n\nThank you,\n\nCIRT and the Department of Campus Safety", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 6:50 p.m. resume notice", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 5acfebaff51ebf6dc160eaa33a66e51f5ebd66cc7a4981ba0f4b2b4592f10f71.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 1359, "timestamp": "2025-01-08T18:50:00-08:00" }, { "sequence": 6, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Dear APU Community,\n\nThe Eaton Brush Fire incident in the Pasadena/Altadena area, approximately 8-10 miles west of the City of Azusa and Azusa Pacific University, is showing signs of stability, although containment is 0 percent. Fortunately, there has been no significant eastward progression that would directly impact the Azusa campus. While there are no current threats to our community, local emergency agencies plan to continue operations throughout the month to ensure the affected area is fully secured.\n\nFrom the onset of the Eaton Brush Fire incident, the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has maintained ongoing communication with public safety agencies, emergency services, neighboring universities and school districts, the Area Emergency Operations Center, and the City of Azusa. This collaboration has ensured a well-coordinated response. Meanwhile, groundskeeping crews have been diligently removing debris, such as fallen branches and other materials, to maintain the safety and cleanliness of the campus environment. In addition, the Facilities team recently changed air filters in campus buildings to improve indoor air quality as part of the routine maintenance cycle.\n\nIn addition, CIRT leverages platforms such as Watch Duty and other tools to obtain real-time data on brush fires, evacuation warnings and orders, and any other public safety emergency information. The CIRT team will continue to actively monitor all aspects of the Eaton Brush Fire, along with any other regional fires and public safety emergencies that may impact any of APU’s six regional campuses. This includes tracking incidents, weather conditions, air quality indexes, power outages, and all facility operations.\n\nThe anticipated return of Santa Ana winds next week, which are predicted to be less severe than in recent days, presents a slight risk of reigniting hotspots or triggering new fires in the surrounding areas. If any further emergencies arise related to this incident, additional communication will be promptly issued to ensure the safety and well-being of the APU community.\n\nResources Wind Tracker ReadyLACounty CAL FIRE Air Quality Index Map Public Health Guidelines for Poor Air Quality/Smoke and Ash Exposure Wildfire Smoke: Considerations for California's Public Health Officials Los Angeles Fire Department Resource Page Los Angeles County Fire Department Resource Page Ready! Set! Go! .\n\nEmergency Contacts Life Threatening Emergency: 911 Department of Campus Safety: (626) 815-5000 Department of Risk, Safety, and Emergency Management: (626) 815-2000 Facilities Management: (626) 812-3002\n\nAlthough we are grateful to be open for classes and work today, we recognize that the challenge continues and its ongoing impact for so many, including APU Community members who have been dislocated and/or experienced property loss. Please pray for all who have been affected as well as all of our first responders on the frontlines. If you have any questions, email our Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) at [email protected].\n\nThank you,\n\nCIRT and the Department of Campus Safety", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 12:54 p.m. update", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 7f25ef9645b6b8bdb81cc50571deaacb107610e1683cf7a3e42c3a95473f272a.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 3096, "timestampApprox": "12:54 p.m. The archive gives the clock and no calendar date. The notice sits between the January 8 resume message and the January 13 update." }, { "sequence": 7, "type": "update", "channel": "website", "verbatimText": "Dear APU Community,\n\nWe are providing an update on the Eaton Fire. As of now, the fire is 33% contained and poses no immediate threat to Azusa or any APU Regional campuses. The eastern edge of the fire remains approximately 8-10 miles northwest of APU’s main campus in Azusa and about 4 miles north of the Monrovia Regional Campus, with no active hotspots. Additionally, evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted for Monrovia, Bradbury, and Duarte.\n\nThe Department of Risk, Safety, and Emergency Planning, along with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the Department of Campus Safety, continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with local public safety agencies, including forecasted winds beginning this evening, January 13. In the event of significant changes or an emergency evacuation, we will notify students, staff, and faculty promptly via our mass notification platform, Everbridge. These communications will include evacuation plans, rally points, and transportation arrangements as needed. Please continue to rely on official APU communications for accurate updates.\n\nResources Watch Duty LA County Joint Information Center Los Angeles Fire Department Resource Page Los Angeles County Fire Department Resource Page Ready! Set! Go!\n\nEmergency Contacts Life Threatening Emergency: 911 Department of Campus Safety: (626) 815-5000 Department of Risk, Safety, and Emergency Management: (626) 815-2000 Facilities Management: (626) 812-3002\n\nWe know that this fire continues to impact many, including APU community members who have been dislocated and/or experienced property loss. Please pray for all who have been affected as well as all of our first responders on the frontlines.\n\nIf you have any questions, email our Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) at [email protected].\n\nThank you,\n\nCIRT and the Department of Campus Safety", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "confidence": "high", "sourceUrl": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "sourceDescription": "APU Everbridge archive, 6:31 p.m. January 13 update", "annotations": [ "Dual curl 2026-10-12 of https://www.apu.edu/response/. The two bodies differ only by Cloudflare rocket-loader tokens and email-protection hashes. This message matches on both after those are set aside. sha256 7b5fb72b3f472018ce2499afbe38695d2ee68c36257f16a470b6f823d326ae04.", "The live Everbridge block on the same page is the already filed August 5, 2025 East Campus lockdown. It was not refiled.", "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" ], "characterCount": 1872, "timestamp": "2025-01-13T18:31:00-08:00" } ], "context": "The notices are the archived Everbridge updates on [apu.edu/response](https://www.apu.edu/response/). The live block on that page is the already filed August 5, 2025 lockdown and was not added again. Obfuscated contact addresses render as [email protected] on both fetches.", "keyFindings": [ "Residential students were told to remain on campus and indoors while classes were canceled at Azusa and Monrovia.", "The January 13 update said the fire was 33 percent contained and posed no immediate threat to the campuses." ], "sources": [ { "title": "APU Emergency Preparedness and Response, Everbridge archive", "url": "https://www.apu.edu/response/", "type": "official-archive", "accessDate": "2026-10-12", "archiveUrl": null, "archiveNotes": "SPN not attempted at 08:25Z" } ], "confidence": "high", "tags": [ "private-masters", "california", "wildfire" ], "dateAdded": "2026-10-12", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-12", "addedBy": "ingestion" }