FOX Business’ Cheryl Casone analyzes the potential economic impact of the Los Angeles wildfires as flames continue to engulf local communities.
Some colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area closed their campuses Wednesday as multiple wildfires continue to rage in the region, engulfing homes and businesses.
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) closed its Pasadena campus except for non-essential operations and canceled classes due to nearby Eaton Fire. School officials said the only people allowed into the area are elementary staff, emergency responders and residents.
Wildfires in Southern California are shown on the map. (Fox News)
A Caltech spokesman said FOX Business that the students are safe, that they have access to food, water, masks and emergency supplies, and that they are asked to stay and stay off the roads.
They added that air quality and the potential for flying debris are major concerns, so school officials are advising everyone on campus to wear a good quality mask and take the necessary precautions. Power is back on on campus and the school is conducting a full campus assessment for any damage.
CALIFORNIA FIRES RAGE THROUGH LOS ANGELES COUNTY, FORCING THOUSANDS TO EVACUATE THEIR HOMES
The Palisades fire forced Pepperdine University to close its campuses in Calabasas and Malibu. As of 5:15 a.m. PT, the university said the fire had consumed 2,900 acres and was still 5.5 miles east of the Malibu campus.
A firefighting aircraft descends on the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, California on Tuesday. The Palisades Fire is being pushed by the Santa Ana gale-force winds that were expected to last two more days. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Pepperdine has canceled its law school exams for today, moved campus classes remotely and asked employees to work remotely if possible.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD CLOSES DUE TO CALIFORNIA FIRES
Other schools remained operational in the area Wednesday afternoon, but took precautions in case the fires became a greater threat.
The University of Southern California (USC) posted on its website that it was monitoring the situation and advised employees affected by the wildfires to contact their supervisors “for support and potential telecommuting options.”
Homes burn as high winds fuel the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, California on Tuesday. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
An operator at the USC Hotel told FOX Business that the facility works directly with emergency accommodation at the university’s official hotel and was fully booked with students and staff on Wednesday.
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The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) remained fully operational and held in-person classes in an unusual manner Wednesday, saying none of the fires posed an immediate threat to the campus and air quality remained normal.
However, UCLA also said on its website that the school is monitoring the situation and has operational teams on standby.
