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. The most recent test results show the sediment does not pose a risk to human health.
Analysis of Sediment/Beach Sand Results – Feb. 25-27 Sampling (L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board)
Summary Table of Sediment Testing Results – Feb. 2 Sampling (L.A. County Public Works)
The LARWQCB took sediment samples from more than a dozen sites along the Santa Monica Bay the week of February 24. Results are available on the agency’s website. None of tested substances exceeded California or U.S. environmental risk levels for residential soil or background levels. More testing is planned before Memorial Day weekend.
These results align with earlier testing by Public Works of sediment samples from Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach after the Jan. 26 storm. Those early results indicated the sediment was not hazardous material.
There are no plans to remove the sediment. 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 hide nails and shards of glass. Beachgoers should stay away from all fire debris on the sand and in the ocean and watch where they step.
Crews from the Department of Beaches and Harbors are removing the 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 for contaminants commonly found in post-fire runoff, as well as the usual bacteria. Public Health issues ocean water advisories and closures when appropriate based on the test results.
Public Health has lifted all fire-related ocean water advisories; however, 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.
The LARWQCB recently posted an analysis of its ocean water quality test results for multiple sampling events at a dozen different sites from La Costa Beach to Dockweiler State Beach. The samples were tested for metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that may be found in water runoff based on previous California wildfires.
Analysis of Ocean Water Quality Test Results (L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board)
According to the LARWQCB’s analysis, ocean water quality test results are now below U.S. EPA risk-based screening levels for recreation in water and Ocean Plan objectives for consumption of fish or within background concentrations.
POST-FIRE ASSESSMENT PLAN
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.
Results from beach and ocean sampling are posted under the Surface and Water monitoring categories. The results come from County Departments and partner agencies.
Assessment Partner Results for Beach and Ocean Monitoring Efforts
- Water Quality Monitoring by Post-Fire Water Quality Monitoring Network – Aquatic Habitats
- Coastal Sand and Ocean Water Monitoring by L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Ocean Water Quality Monitoring (Los Angeles Coast) Conducted by Surfrider Foundation – Blue Water Task Force
- Coastal Sand Monitoring by L.A. County Public Works
BEACH & 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 finished operations at Will Rogers State Beach; however, Lots 2 and 3 (near Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road) remain closed for other recovery efforts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most beaches in L.A. County are open, but visitors should follow ocean water advisories and closures issued by Public Health. The sand usually remains open even when there is an ocean water advisory or closure.
Beachgoers should stay away from any fire debris on the sand and in the ocean.
Federal responders have closed one stretch of Will Rogers State Beach to the public. This area is next to lots in use for fire recovery.
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.
The sediment does not pose a risk to human health, according to the L.A. County Department of Public Health.
The LARWQCB tested sediment and wet sand for metals and other pollutants at nearly a dozen beaches beaches up and down the coast. Scientists compared the results to state and federal risk levels for residential soil. All results were below these values or within background concentrations (what was there before the fires).
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.