GOVERNMENT
BEACH HEALTH
WILDFIRE-RELATED BEACH IMPACTS
Sediment Testing | Debris | Ocean Water Quality Testing | Post-Fire Assessments | Beach & Parking Lot Closures | FAQ
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) operates and maintains 18 public beaches along the Pacific Ocean coastline from Malibu through San Pedro. Unfortunately, recent wildfires—and the subsequent storms—have prompted questions about whether the debris and ash on the sand and in the water is safe.
Storms carried ash and debris from the wildfires into rivers and streams. Eventually, the ash and debris flowed into the ocean, where waves washed the material back onto the beach. This is a natural process after fires, especially during rainy or windy conditions. DBH, the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health and Public Works, the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board and other agencies are monitoring the shore and testing samples to ensure the beaches are not hazardous to the public.
Sediment Testing
Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks.
Summary Table of Sediment Testing Results – Feb. 2 Sampling (L.A. County Public Works)
Sediment/Beach Sand Results for Metals – Feb. 25-27 Sampling (L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board)
Public Works provided Public Health and other County and State agencies with lab results from sediment sampling at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach after the Jan. 26 storm. These early results indicate the sediment is not hazardous material—it does not appear to threaten the environment or human health.
The test results for contaminants—including metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and asbestos—were below levels that would characterize the debris as hazardous waste. The initial results found metals likely representative of background levels and no asbestos. Other analytes were either not detected or found in extremely limited to minor concentrations.
The LARWQCB took sediment samples from more than a dozen sites along the Santa Monica Bay the week of February 24. Results will be posted on the agency’s website as they become available. More testing is planned before Memorial Day weekend.
There are no plans to remove the sediment at this time. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away.
Debris
In addition to the usual driftwood and kelp, charred debris from the wildfires has washed up as far south as Redondo Beach. This debris may be unstable, have sharp edges or contain nails. Beachgoers should stay away from this debris—and debris found in coastal creeks, lagoons and outfalls—and watch where they step.
Crews from the Department of Beaches and Harbors are removing these large pieces of debris as they wash up. If a piece of debris requires specialized removal, crews will place caution tape or other barriers around it to keep the public away. Please respect these barriers.
Ocean Water Quality Testing
The LARWQCB and Public Health are conducting regular water sampling. Public Health will issue ocean water advisories and closures when appropriate.
Current fire-related advisories:
- Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach (until further notice): Beachgoers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.
Please note that other, non-fire-related ocean water advisories and/or closures may be in effect. For the latest advisories and closures, check Public Health’s Ocean Water Quality Advisories page or call its ocean water hotline at 800-525-5662.
Post-Fire Assessments
Public Health has put together a Post-Fire Assessment Plan with a list of all L.A. County post-fire air, soil, and water assessment activities conducted by government and academic institutions in fire-impacted areas. Results will be posted online as they become available.
Beach and Parking Lot Closures
Some parking lots at in the burn area are closed for wildfire recovery efforts. Others are accessible only for people with resident or business passes for the affected stretch of Pacific Coast Highway.
Closed lots:
- Will Rogers Lots 2 and 3, Temescal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
- Will Rogers Lot 4 (Gladstones), 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
- Topanga Beach, 18700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
The following parking lots are open to the public, but limited space is available due recovery response efforts.
- Will Rogers Lot 5 (Castle Rock), 17580 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
- Coastline Lot, 17940 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a staging area for the collection and temporary storage of household hazardous waste materials and lithium ion batteries in the Will Rogers State Beach parking lots. The staging area is located in Will Rogers Lots 2 and 3, near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road. As part of the staging area’s establishment, the federal government has closed the adjacent stretch of sand and bicycle path to the public.
More information about staging areas from the EPA:
About EPA Staging Areas
Interactive: Learn About EPA Staging Areas
Comprehensive EPA Fact Sheet: Eaton and Palisades Fire Staging Areas
EPA Fact Sheet: Palisades Fire Staging Areas and Steps to Protect Health and the Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Most beaches in L.A. County are open, but visitors should follow ocean water advisories and closures issued by Public Health. Some areas may be under advisory due to bacteria levels or potential hazards from wildfire debris following the January 2025 wildfires. Nevertheless, the sand usually remains open even when there is an ocean water advisory or closure.
Federal responders have closed one stretch of Will Rogers State Beach to the public. This area is next to the temporary EPA site for sorting household hazardous waste found in wildfire debris.
The black or gray color comes from fine ash particles mixed with the sand. This can give the beach a darker appearance, which is a temporary result of the natural settling of ash.
Public Works tested sediment at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach after the Jan. 26 storm and found it was not hazardous material—it did not appear to threaten the environment or human health. The LARWQCB is following up by testing sediment and wet sand along more beaches up and down the coast.
Removing the sediment would be extremely difficult and could disrupt natural marine habitats, threatening marine life in the process.
According to Public Health, an ocean water advisory or warning is issued “when bacteria levels exceed State ocean water quality standards,” and the advisory is lifted when “tests indicate that bacteria levels meet State standards.” People who swim where there is an advisory have a higher risk of getting sick.
An ocean water closure, on the other hand, means that people should not go into the water, period, because of high bacterial levels or other pollution. These are often issued after sewage spills.
Public Health maintains a hotline for ocean water advisories and closures at 1-800-525-5662 and updates its Ocean Water Advisories webpage. Signs are also posted on the affected beach(es).
Beyond bacteria concerns, large debris from the January wildfires has been found in coastal creeks, lagoons, and outfalls. The dark sediment can also hide shards of glass, rusty nails and other sharp objects. Beachgoers should stay away from these areas, avoid wildfire debris and watch where they step.
If you find large or hazardous debris, such as charred wood with nails, sharp metal, or other fire-related objects, do not touch or attempt to move it. Instead:
- Report it to nearby beach maintenance crews or the closest lifeguard.
- If no staff are nearby, call DBH at (424) 526-7777 or email info@bh.lacounty.gov to report it. Please be prepared to give a detailed location; landmarks such as the nearest lifeguard tower(s), restroom facility or parking lot are useful.
- Keep a safe distance and warn others if the debris poses an immediate hazard.
Several agencies are involved in monitoring, testing and cleanup efforts, including:
- L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors: Oversees beach maintenance and debris removal
- L.A. County Department of Public Health: Conducts water quality testing and issues ocean advisories and closures
- L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board: Monitors ocean water contaminants and wet sand
- L.A. County Public Works: Manages and operates stormwater infrastructure
These agencies work together to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
For the latest information on conditions when you’re at the beach, check with the nearest lifeguard. Remember to always surf and swim near an open lifeguard tower.
Otherwise, the L.A. County Department of Public Health maintains a hotline for ocean water advisories and closures at 1-800-525-5662 and posts the information online. Signs are also posted on the affected beach(es).
You can also follow the Department of Beaches and Harbors, Public Health and L.A. County Lifeguards on social media.