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Some LA beaches reopen, but officials urge caution in Palisades runoff area
Waves crashing on Playa Del Rey Beach.
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Topline:
After testing ocean water, officials say some L.A. beaches are now safe to visit. But with rain in the forecast, they’re still advising staying on the sand in certain fire-impacted areas “out of an abundance of caution.”
What changed: Testing on ocean water samples collected on Jan. 22 and Jan. 27 at various L.A. County beach locations found no risks to human health, according to the county Department of Public Health. Those samples were analyzed by a state lab looking for metals, mercury and other toxic chemicals associated with fire runoff.
Closure downgraded: Late last month, county public health officials had fully closed 9 miles of beaches between Malibu’s Las Flores State Beach and the Santa Monica Pier due to runoff from the Palisades Fire. As of Tuesday, that strict closure has been downgraded to an ocean water advisory.
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Why an advisory: The advisory is in effect “out of an abundance of caution” because of the potential for rain to bring more fire debris down to the beaches. Beachgoers in that stretch of coastline can enjoy the sand but should stay out of the water and avoid any fire debris, public health officials say.
Other advisories lifted: Meanwhile, ocean water advisories previously in effect for Malibu (between Las Flores and Surfrider) and for south of the Santa Monica Pier (including Venice Beach) have been completely cleared. Health officials say ongoing sampling is planned in order to keep L.A. County’s shoreline safe.
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