Toxic Wildfire Runoff Closes Malibu Beaches Indefinitely

MALIBU, CA — The waters off Los Angeles County may be contaminated by toxic or carcinogenic chemicals following the Palisades Fire, according to health officials, who indefinitely closed much of the Malibu coast this week.

Rainstorms over the weekend led to an increase in fire debris running off into the ocean in the area around the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. As a result, officials issued an Ocean Water Closure for the 9-mile stretch of coast from Malibu's Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach.

"The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact," health officials said.

Officials have also put in place an Ocean Water Quality Advisory as part of fire-related water quality concerns over a much larger area. It's less severe than a full beach closure, but officials say it's still important to heed the warning.

The advisory — which is in place indefinitely — covers the stretch of coast from Surfrider Beach in Malibu to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way, aside from the 9-mile portion already covered by the closure.

In total, the closure and advisory cover some 17 miles of coast, accounting for nearly a quarter of all LA County's coastline.

Health officials say the water may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals from fire runoff and those compounds can also pool on the beach sand.

"Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach," the health department said.

Additionally, as is typical following rainfall, county officials also said that beachgoers to avoid water contact at any other Los Angeles County beaches for at least 72 hours after the storm stops.

Additional information about water quality at beaches is available on the health department's website or by calling 800-525-5662.