Environmental Concerns
The Palisades and Eaton fires have turned everyday items into hazardous ash, raising concerns about ocean contamination with pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and heavy metals.
Ash and debris have been found as far as 100 miles offshore, with scientists detecting a unique odor indicative of burned electronics, suggesting a significant marine ecosystem threat.
Response and Research
officials are actively working to prevent debris from reaching beaches and have sought state and federal assistance for ocean cleanup and testing.
The CalCOFI program, part of a long-term marine ecosystem monitoring effort, is collecting detailed ocean samples to assess the fires' impact on marine life.