Photo: Cal Fire
In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, wide swathes of coastline have been closed indefinitely. Los Angeles County public health officials made the announcement Monday, citing both recent rains and ongoing fire debris runoff as the reason for the closures.
“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,” read the release. “Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.
“The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact.”
Recent rain in the Los Angeles area has been a welcome reprieve from the fire weather that fueled the still-ongoing blazes, but it also had its downsides. L.A. County beaches frequently issue water quality advisories for 72 hours in the immediate wake of heavy rain, due to urban runoff, and this was no different. “The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory declared on January 26, 2025, will remain in effect at least until 8:00 a.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, for all other Los Angeles County beaches,” continued the release. “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.”
However, unlike the water quality advisories Los Angeles surfers are used to, there is no real end in sight. “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,” concluded the release. “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.”
Editor’s Note: Correction – L.A. County issues “water quality advisories” for 72 hours after heavy rains, not “closures”.
