L.A. County fire-affected beaches are safe for swimming, health officials say

Los Angeles Times - Apr 10th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

Local public health authorities have lifted ocean water advisories for Malibu and Santa Monica beaches, which were affected by January's Palisades fire. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced the clearance based on extensive testing by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. Tests showed no dangerous wildfire-related chemicals present in the water or sand. While the beaches are deemed safe for recreational use, officials urge caution regarding fire debris that may still be present in the sand or water.

The lifting of the advisory is timely, coinciding with a mini heat wave expected over the weekend, drawing more visitors to these popular destinations. However, officials continue to advise beachgoers to stay clear of any debris and avoid beaches near burned properties. This caution is due to potential hazardous materials like glass and metal, as high tides can carry fire debris into the ocean. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the Department of Public Health's Ocean Water Quality website for the latest water advisories.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant update on the safety of Malibu and Santa Monica-area beaches following the lifting of water advisories. It effectively communicates important public health information, supported by credible sources like the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The article's clarity and structure make it accessible, although additional context and expert perspectives could enhance its depth and engagement. While the article addresses potential hazards from fire debris, it could benefit from more detailed transparency regarding testing results and methodologies. Overall, the article serves its purpose well, informing the public about beach safety in a clear and accurate manner, while leaving room for further exploration of related issues.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate account of the lifting of ocean water advisories for Malibu and Santa Monica-area beaches. The primary claim that advisories have been lifted is supported by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's announcement, which aligns with standard procedures for public health updates. The article accurately describes the testing conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, including the types of chemicals tested, such as metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The claim that no dangerous chemical levels were found is plausible given the context of similar post-fire assessments. However, the article could benefit from more detailed information on the specific testing results and methodologies. Additionally, while the article mentions ongoing caution regarding fire debris, it does not provide specific data or evidence of the current debris conditions, which could be important for verifying the ongoing risk.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by reporting both the lifting of advisories and the continued caution advised by public health officials. It addresses the perspectives of public health authorities and provides a rationale for the actions taken. However, the article primarily focuses on official statements and lacks input from independent experts or local community members who might offer additional insights or concerns. Including such perspectives could provide a more comprehensive view of the situation and address potential public skepticism or alternative viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a logical flow of information from the lifting of advisories to the ongoing cautions regarding fire debris. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the article easy to understand for a general audience. The use of specific locations and chemical names helps to clarify the scope of the testing. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context about the potential risks associated with fire debris and the specific areas where debris may still pose a hazard.

8
Source quality

The primary sources cited in the article are authoritative, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. These organizations are credible and have the expertise to conduct and interpret water quality tests. The article references a news release, which is a standard practice for reporting official announcements. However, the inclusion of additional sources, such as environmental scientists or local advocacy groups, could enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting by providing corroborative or contrasting information.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting of the source of its information, citing the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and providing a general overview of the testing conducted. However, it lacks detailed transparency regarding the specific results of the water testing and the methodologies used. Providing more granular data or linking to the full report would enhance transparency and allow readers to independently verify the claims. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, which, while likely absent in this context, is an important aspect of transparency.

Sources

  1. https://laist.com/brief/news/climate-environment/looking-to-beat-the-heat-watch-out-for-the-water-at-these-la-county-beaches
  2. http://beaches.lacounty.gov
  3. https://lacounty.gov/2025/04/04/ocean-water-use-warning-for-los-angeles-county-beaches-134/
  4. https://qresear.ch/?q=carlyle%26amp%3Bquot%3B%7D&p=3
  5. https://healthebay.org/category/brc-location-for-home-page-panel/