Los Angeles Wildfires Send Toxic Ash 100 Miles Into Pacific Ocean

Scientists are studying the environmental impact of debris from urban fires on marine ecosystems and fisheries off the California coast.

Ash and debris from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles have been detected up to 100 miles offshore, including near the Channel Islands.
Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA are analyzing water samples to assess the effects of toxic materials like lead, asbestos, and microplastics on marine life.
The fires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, burned over 37,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures, and released pollutants into the ocean ecosystem.
Initial findings suggest ash particles may impact marine food webs, with potential consequences ranging from nutrient boosts for microorganisms to harmful algal blooms.
Ongoing studies aim to track chemical changes in the water and examine how toxins may accumulate in marine organisms, affecting both ecosystems and human food sources.