of approval of their Master Plan, Westmont agreed to a controversial "shelter in place" plan, also called "stay and defend" procedure, in case of a wildfire. The college has a comprehensive wildfire response plan in place.
==== Coyote Fire of 1964 ====
The Coyote Fire began on September 22, 1964, in a canyon near Westmont's campus. The fire burned 75,000 acres and over 100 homes. Catherwood Hall, a men's dorm on the Westmont campus, was destroyed.
==== Sycamore Canyon Fire of 1977 ====
The Sycamore Canyon Fire began on July 26, 1977, when a kite blew into power lines. Nearly 200 homes were burned, including several homes of Westmont employees, as well as 40 acres of undeveloped college property and part of an athletic field.
==== Tea Fire of 2008 ====
On November 13, 2008, the steep and wooded Westmont campus was heavily damaged in the Tea Fire, which started in the hills near Montecito. No injuries were reported on the campus. Numerous structures on the campus, including the Physics Lab, Psychology Building, …
