Los Angeles County health officials have ordered an indefinite closure of beaches stretching from Malibu to Playa del Rey due to hazardous fire debris runoff following recent rainfall.
The closure affects popular coastal areas including Dockweiler Beach, Las Flores State Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Surfrider Beach. Both water contact and beach access are prohibited until further notice.
"Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, which can be harmful to health," warned the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in a statement. This includes any contaminated runoff that flows onto or pools on beach sand.
The beach closures will remain in place even after the current rain advisory expires Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. Typically, officials advise avoiding ocean water contact for 72 hours after rainfall due to potentially harmful bacteria carried by storm runoff.
However, this closure extends beyond standard rain precautions due to the added risk of toxic chemicals from fire-damaged areas washing into coastal waters. The affected coastline spans from Las Flores State Beach in Malibu south to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way in Playa del Rey.
Beach visitors are strongly advised to check the status of their intended destination before heading to the coast. Updates are available through the county's beach advisory hotline.
The indefinite nature of the closure highlights the ongoing environmental impacts of recent fires, as their toxic aftermath continues to affect public spaces and safety along the Los Angeles coastline. As Los Angeles County fire victims grapple with the aftermath of the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, questions about rebuilding and cleanup timelines remain at the forefront of community concerns.