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Red Tide and Toxic Runoff:

Fire debris and runoff from the Santa Cruz Mountains flowed into Monterey Bay, increasing nutrient loads and potentially contributing to a harmful algal bloom (red tide).

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) found elevated nutrients and organic pollutants in nearshore waters.

Impact on Kelp Forests and Fisheries: Ash deposits coated kelp forests and intertidal zones, affecting photosynthesis and smothering marine organisms.

Some commercial fisheries temporarily halted shellfish harvesting due to concerns about contamination from wildfire-related toxins.

Debris Flow into the Ocean: After heavy rains, toxic ash and debris from the Woolsey Fire washed into the Pacific Ocean, affecting beaches from Malibu to Ventura.

Reports found high levels of heavy metals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and other toxins in runoff reaching the ocean.

Surfers and swimmers were advised to stay out of the water for weeks due to high bacterial levels and contamination risks.

Impact on Marine Life: Studies detected hydrocarbons and toxic compounds in coastal waters, which can harm fish and shellfish populations.

The Santa Monica Baykeeper and Heal the Bay raised concerns about long-term contamination of marine food webs.

Toxic Ash and Debris: The Camp Fire, which destroyed nearly the entire town of Paradise, left behind hazardous ash and debris containing heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), asbestos, and toxic compounds from burned homes, vehicles, and industrial sites.

Public Health Concerns: Residents and cleanup crews were warned about inhaling particulate matter and exposure to toxic debris. Testing revealed elevated levels of arsenic and lead in some areas.

Water Contamination: The fire melted underground plastic pipes, leading to benzene contamination in the town’s water supply. It took years and extensive remediation to restore safe drinking water.

Massive Debris Flows into the Santa Barbara Channel: Heavy post-fire rains triggered massive debris flows (mudslides) in Montecito, dumping tons of burned debris and sediment into the Santa Barbara Channel.

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary reported ash and sediment deposits smothering rocky reefs, potentially affecting biodiversity.

Airborne Toxic Particles: Fire-related air pollution settled over the ocean, raising concerns about PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and dioxins entering marine food webs.

Hazardous Debris Management: The fire destroyed thousands of structures, leading to massive amounts of toxic debris. FEMA and the EPA had to coordinate large-scale hazardous waste cleanup efforts to prevent public exposure.

Wildlife Impact: Testing showed elevated heavy metals in nearby lakes and rivers, affecting fish populations and potentially posing risks to humans who consumed them.

Airborne Asbestos and Lead: Burned structures, particularly older homes, released asbestos and lead-based paint particles into the air and soil. Cleanup efforts had to follow strict hazardous waste protocols.

Water System Damage: Like Paradise, the fire melted PVC pipes, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water supply. Some areas had water contamination for over a year.

Soil and Waterway Contamination: The fire burned through land containing industrial and agricultural sites, leading to the release of pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants into the soil and waterways.

Health Effects on First Responders: Firefighters and cleanup workers experienced respiratory issues due to prolonged exposure to toxic ash and airborne contaminants.

Toxic Stormwater Runoff into Santa Monica Bay: The fire burned large areas in the San Gabriel Mountains, and later rains washed toxic ash, debris, and charred vegetation into the LA River and storm drains.

This led to a surge in contaminants reaching Santa Monica Bay, raising bacteria and heavy metal levelsbeyond safe swimming thresholds.

Threats to Drinking Water: Post-fire rains caused ash and debris to wash into reservoirs and watersheds, increasing turbidity and introducing harmful chemicals.

Heavy Metal Contamination: Tests found lead, arsenic, and other metals in burned vehicle and building debris, prompting state officials to issue strict disposal guidelines.