Toxic Debris From Palisades Fire Closes Some Southern California Beaches

A cyclist rides past a Santa Monica State Beach parking lot in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 24, 2020. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department closed beaches after debris and pollutants possibly containing toxic or cancer-causing chemicals from the Palisades Fire were found in the water and on the sand.

Ocean water closures were announced on Jan. 27 for coastal beaches from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach.

This stretch of sand includes Will Rogers State Beach, Topanga Beach, Las Tunas Beach, and Big Rock Beach.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice, according to the public health department.

“Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact,” the department stated on Jan. 27.

The county also issued an ocean water quality rain advisory through 8 a.m. on Jan. 30.

The rain advisory declared on Jan. 26 cautions beach users to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall in the region, especially in areas near storm drains, creeks, and rivers.

Higher bacteria levels may be found in these locations, including in any runoff that may flow onto the sand.

The advisory may be extended depending on the weather.

When the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach will remain in effect because of anticipated fire debris runoff.

According to the county’s public health department, the runoff from the Palisades Fire may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals that are harmful to health.

“This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand,” the department stated. “Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.

A beachfront home destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 15, 2025. Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is leading a large-scale cleanup of hazardous and toxic waste in the Palisades Fire zone.

The fire, which started on Jan. 7, has killed at least 12 people and destroyed more than 6,800 homes and buildings. The flames burned more than 24,400 acres—more than 36 square miles—in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas.

Although the fire was nearly extinguished on Jan. 29, the damaged property included lithium-ion batteries, household chemicals, and other hazardous waste.

Residents are allowed to return to their properties but were cautioned to be aware of any remaining toxic and hazardous waste.

According to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Adam VanGerpen, the size of the fire and the number of lithium-ion batteries left behind make it one of the largest hazardous-materials cleanups that local first responders have seen.

Although the batteries may appear to be intact and untouched, they could still produce toxic gases, reignite, or explode.

Other materials requiring cleanup as the area recovers from the destructive fires include paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, herbicides, and pesticides.