Scientists Find Ash, Debris From LA Fires 100 Miles Offshore

Researchers testing water by a Navy missile testing range on San Nicolas Island discovered ash a day after the deadly fires started.

Ash collected from a Manta plankton net, which samples the top six inches of the ocean. Initially, the ash floats on the surface, but once mixed with the water, it sinks rapidly, scientists with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA reported on Jan. 20, 2025. Rasmus Swalethorp, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

Ash and debris from the massive Los Angeles wildfires burning since Jan. 7 have been found in waters 100 miles off the coast of California, according to researchers.

Ocean researchers testing water near a military testing range on San Nicolas Island found ash and debris from the fires just one day after they erupted, according to a report published on Jan. 20.