The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unprecedented devastation to thousands of the city's residents. It seems as if every Angeleno knows at least one person who has been directly impacted. The whole situation has hit close to home for our Surfrider Foundation chapter members in Los Angeles and nearby communities.
As the days have turned to weeks, many of us are thinking, What’s next? Conversations have begun about how we can build back what we have lost. Additionally, there are deep concerns about how the fires and their aftermath are affecting our environment, particularly our beaches and water quality. We understand the anxiety surrounding these issues, and Surfrider is committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates, as well as practical advice to help navigate this challenging time.
Being a community dedicated to ocean protection, public health, and environmental justice, Surfrider stands with the affected communities in these times of uncertainty. Our beaches are vital to our health, well-being, and the vibrant culture we’ve cultivated in Southern California. And as we all grapple with the impacts of these fires and the ongoing restoration efforts, it’s crucial we approach this situation together—with awareness, care, and collective action.
Fire Debris Runoff and Ocean Water Closure
In response to the fires and recent rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Closure from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach and Ocean Water Advisories from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach (Updated February 3rd). This precautionary measure is essential because ash and fire debris in the water and sand pose significant health risks. There's still so much we don't know, and we're actively communicating with experts to better understand the potential risks. In the meantime, we urge the community to be cautious and avoid the water in these areas.
Water Quality Testing Sites from Los Angeles County Public Health. Updated February 3, 2025.
Why does this matter? We are seeing potentially dangerous contaminants in the runoff that could harm both human health and the delicate ecosystems that make our beaches so special. The closure is in place to protect you, your loved ones, and the ocean itself. We understand this is an inconvenient and frustrating situation, but the safety of the public and the environment must remain the top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Elevated Bacteria Levels: Rain Advisory for LA Beaches
While the recent rain helped clear the air and added much needed moisture to the landscape, it has also put water quality at the beach even more at risk. Following the past weekend’s rain, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a 72-hour Rain Advisory for all Los Angeles County beaches. Under normal conditions, stormwater runoff can carry bacteria, road dust, pesticides and other chemicals used in urban neighborhoods down to the beach. When the weather has remained dry for so long (this past weekend was the first time it has rained in LA in 9 months!) a lot of contaminants can pile up on the surface of the ground, streets, and other hard surfaces and will flow into the ocean in what is called a ‘first flush.’
This time the first flush, however, also picked up ash and other contaminants from neighborhoods and commercial districts affected by the fires, so the potential for dangerous levels of contamination at the beach and near shore waters is really high. The rain advisory was issued to protect people from this pollution.
What does this mean for you? While the rain advisory on all LA County beaches extended until Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Ocean Water Closure covering Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach will remain in place for the foreseeable future due to ongoing ash and fire debris runoff. We will keep you updated once we have clear information on what the measurable impact of the fires is on local water quality.
Remember, keeping yourself and others safe is the priority—while we all love spending time by the ocean, it's crucial to follow these guidelines to prevent any potential exposure to harmful contaminants.
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Photo Credit: Benjamin Kay
Surfrider’s Cleanup Efforts: Committed to Community and Safety
While the risks are real, we are also committed to taking action to clean up our beloved beaches. As an organization, Surfrider has always advocated for clean beaches and safe, sustainable practices. The LA Chapter is ready to start cleanup efforts as soon as conditions allow, but it’s important to note that we will be taking all necessary precautions to protect both the environment and our volunteers.
In response to the current hazards, we are working closely with local officials and environmental organizations to develop a safe and effective cleanup plan. We’re committed to ensuring that all efforts are carried out with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to toxic fire debris, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Key points to remember about Surfrider Foundation LA's cleanup efforts:
- PPE for Safety: Surfrider volunteers will be equipped with the proper PPE, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing, to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup process.
- Collaborative Approach: We’re coordinating efforts with environmental recovery specialists and local agencies to make sure we’re tackling cleanup responsibly and effectively.
- Community-Based Cleanup: As always, our focus will be on working together as a community. Once conditions improve and it’s safe to begin organized cleanups, we’ll mobilize volunteers to assist in cleaning up beaches impacted by fire debris.
We understand that this recovery process will take time. But rest assured, we’re here to lead and advocate for responsible, safe cleanup efforts that focus on both public health and environmental restoration
Staying Informed: Resources and Updates
While we’re preparing for our own beach cleanups, it’s important to stay informed about the status of our local beaches and any official updates. Here are some valuable resources:
Beachgoer Resources:
- LA County Beach Water Quality Advisories
- Heal the Bay Beach Report Card
- LA County’s Recovery Resources
Additional Resources:
- Air Quality Data
- Southern California Education and Research Center’s Free Webinar on Cleanup Worker Safety (Jan. 30, 2025)
- Fannie Mae Disaster Resources
Moving Forward: Our Commitment to Clean Beaches and Healthy Oceans
While this is a difficult time for everyone, it’s also a moment to come together as a community. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to protecting our ocean and beaches, and we won’t stop advocating for their health and safety, especially during challenging times like these.
We’ll continue to provide you with updates as we work on organizing safe, community-driven beach cleanups. We’re here to support the city that we love, and we’ll continue to push for clean, healthy beaches—because we all deserve a safe, sustainable coast.
Together, we’ll rise above the challenges ahead.
Stay safe, stay informed, and stay engaged. We’ll get through this, side by side.