New findings reveal L.A. wildfires’ lasting impact on coastline and ocean health

The damage from this year’s Los Angeles wildfires extends far beyond burned neighborhoods and hillsides, new research shows. At a roundtable in San Pedro this week, Mayor Karen Bass joined environmental leaders and scientists to discuss how wildfire ash and debris are affecting LA’s coastlines and oceans—an issue now drawing urgent attention from local officials and researchers.

The January wildfires, which destroyed more than 16,000 structures and forced thousands to evacuate, have left an enduring mark on the region’s environment. As public health officials warn residents to avoid fire debris and heavy ash, scientists are studying how runoff and airborne particles are impacting marine life and water quality along the Southern California coast. Researchers from UC San Diego’s Scripps Ins