Following two disastrous wildfires in recent months, a lengthy stretch of ocean water along the coastline of Los Angeles County will be permanently blocked due to the possible threats posed by debris flow.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a release on Tuesday that a temporary closure that was supposed to conclude Thursday morning has been extended indefinitely.
“Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals,” the press statement stated.
Beachgoers are encouraged to stay away from the ocean and sand between Santa Monica State Beach and Las Flores State Beach in Malibu during the closure.
This occurs just days after authorities issued an advisory to begin the week due to the region’s significant rainfall, which sped up the flow of debris from the Franklin Fire in December and the Palisades Fire in early January towards the coast.
“Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain due to fire debris runoff, which may contain substances including arsenic, other metals, and asbestos, which can be harmful to health,” according to the release. “Any runoff that might land on the beach or collect on the sand is included in this. It is recommended that beachgoers avoid any fire debris on the shore.
Public health officials issued an ocean water quality rain advisory in response to the recent rainstorm that triggered many mudslides and a brief flash flood warning in the vicinity of the Palisades Fire and Franklin Fire burn scars.
For additional information about the closure, call (800) 525-5662 or (626) 430-5360, LADPH’s advising hotline.