29-01-2025
L.A. Beaches Closed Indefinitely Amid Toxic Fire Runoff
The fallout from the devastating fires in Los Angeles continue in the region with untold structures lost, a still rising death toll, and scores of people attempting to put the pieces back together.
And over the weekend, rain fell across Southern California, which helped with the ongoing firefighting efforts amidst the lingering embers, but also funneled toxic runoff into the ocean.
Accordingly, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued an advisory:
'Due to recent rainfall and the increase in fire debris along these ocean waters, an Ocean Water Closure has been declared for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach. Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.'When will the Ocean Water Closure be lifted? Don't hold your breath. The announcement added:
'The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact.'
Additionally, due to the rain, officials declared another water quality advisory:
'The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory declared on January 26, 2025, will remain in effect at least until 8:00 am, Thursday, January 30, 2025, for all other Los Angeles County beaches. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.
'Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain in effect due to fire debris runoff, which may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, which can be harmful to health. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand. Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.'
As most surfers know, surfing after a rain can lead to some nasty infections. But when you add in the chemicals used to fight the fire, and the debris from the wreckage, that's one toxic cocktail.
