Los Angeles after the wildfires – beaches covered in toxic waste

Los Angeles is facing a dramatic coastal contamination crisis following the recent wildfires. Popular beaches, including Will Rogers State Beach, are now covered in ash and charred debris from buildings and infrastructure. Experts and health authorities warn that heavy metals, dioxins, and carcinogenic substances that have seeped into the ocean pose a serious threat to human health and marine ecosystems.

Wildfires that devastated the city

The January wildfires in Los Angeles burned over 34,000 hectares, claiming the lives of at least 16 people. The flames destroyed around 15,000 buildings, and nearly 180,000 residents were forced to evacuate. However, as the smoke cleared, the city faced a new challenge: cleaning up toxic waste and dealing with soil, water, and air pollution.

Dangerous substances on beaches and in the ocean

Beaches that once bustled with life and leisure now resemble landfills. They are littered with burnt building debris, car wreckage, ash, heavy metals, and other toxins. Authorities in Los Angeles warn that ocean water is contaminated and completely unsafe for swimming. Mercury, lead, asbestos, and dioxins can cause serious health issues through skin contact or even inhalation of air near affected areas.

Experts have no illusions—these pollutants may persist in the environment for months, with their effects lasting for years. Fish and other marine life may absorb these harmful substances, impacting the entire ecosystem and food chain.

Beaches closed until further notice

Due to the high levels of contamination, city officials have closed Will Rogers State Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, Dockweiler Beach, and several other popular locations. Entry is strictly prohibited, and residents are advised not even to walk near these areas, as exposure to toxins could be hazardous to health.

No one knows when the beaches will be safe again—cleaning the sand and water may take until mid-2025. Authorities urge patience, but residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) slow response.

Cleaning up Los Angeles after the wildfires: a two-phase operation

The cleanup process has been divided into two main phases:

1. Phase 1 – The EPA has been collecting and disposing of household hazardous waste, such as paints, solvents, pesticides, batteries, propane tanks, and asbestos materials. This effort began in January 2025 and is free of charge for residents.
2. Phase 2 – Once the first phase was completed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stepped in. Their task is to clear fire debris from private properties, including ash, burnt structures, building foundations, contaminated soil, and car wreckage. They started in February 2025, beginning with schools in Pasadena Unified School District before moving on to homes across Los Angeles County.

It is estimated that the cleanup effort will involve the removal of around 4.5 million tons of debris and waste, equivalent to 41% of Los Angeles’ annual waste production. An EPA representative noted that this operation stands out as the largest effort worldwide for the removal of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a unique challenge as they can release toxic gases, leak hazardous chemicals into the environment, and even ignite, potentially sparking new fires.

Trump pressures the EPA to speed up

On January 24, 2025, Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the EPA to accelerate the cleanup process. The agency has pledged to remove toxic waste, including chemicals, lithium-ion batteries, pesticides, and gas cylinders.

Despite these official commitments, residents claim that the cleanup is moving too slowly, leaving beaches still littered with debris and toxic residues. A major point of controversy is the decision to use Topanga Beach as a disposal site for waste. The environmental organization Heal the Bay opposes this move, citing concerns about the proximity to the ocean and local streams, as well as the fact that the area was supposed to undergo long-term restoration efforts.

The EPA insists that strict monitoring is in place to minimize contamination risks, including dust suppression and testing soil samples before and after operations. However, experts warn that this situation is unprecedented, making it difficult to predict the long-term consequences.