Uncovering the Lasting Environmental Impact of the Palisades Fire: What You Need to Know

The Palisades Fire has left a significant mark, even as it is now mostly under control. The impact on homes, businesses, and vehicles is devastating, but the true extent of the damage goes beyond that. The environment is facing serious repercussions.

This fire has become one of the most tragic events in U.S. history, with 11 lives lost and over 6,500 structures destroyed. It burned through more than 23,000 acres, making it the 10th deadliest and 3rd most destructive wildfire on record, according to CalFire.

As the fierce Santa Ana winds whipped the flames, firefighters from multiple areas rushed to help. Two firefighting planes, the CL-415 “Super Scooper,” dropped 1,620 gallons of seawater with each flight. While putting out the fire was crucial, seawater won’t help the soil when it’s time for vegetation to regrow. This could leave hillsides vulnerable.

The aftermath isn’t just about burnt trees. Many household items release toxic fumes when they burn, such as electronics, batteries, and cars. Even some homes built between 1930 and 1950 may still contain asbestos, adding another layer of danger.

Now that the rainy season has begun, ash and debris from the fire could wash into storm drains or, in areas along the Pacific Coast Highway, directly into Santa Monica Bay. Environmental expert Rebecca Shipe warns that pollutants—including heavy metals and harmful chemicals—could harm local ecosystems. The runoff could affect everything from fish to ocean health, damaging organisms that are vital to marine life.

Cleanup efforts are starting, but every moment counts. Crews need to secure gas and electricity lines first. If heavy rain hits again, the risks could increase. Recently, during a town hall meeting, the EPA and FEMA advised residents against cleaning up debris themselves due to the toxic risks. Anyone needing to sift through their remains should take precautions, like wearing N95 masks.

There are ways to control erosion after the cleanup. Naomi Meurice from Heal the Bay suggests using straw waddles or straw bale dams to slow down debris flow when it rains.

To tackle potential water contamination, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an emergency order. This order includes activating Low Flow Diversion pump stations designed to protect the sewer system from stormwater contaminated by fire debris.

However, there are concerns. Too much debris in wastewater treatment plants could lead to sewage spills, causing further environmental issues. Following recent rains, advisories were issued for all Los Angeles County beaches due to polluted ocean water, a problem that has been worsened by the fire.

Sunny Wang, Santa Monica’s Water Resources Manager, pointed out that the situation is unprecedented. The urban elements mixed with burning vegetation create new threats that need more research to fully understand.

Santa Monica’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) aims to treat and recycle stormwater effectively. While most of its water supply comes from areas outside of Palisades, there’s still concern as some wastewater does flow from there.

Wang noted they were tracking contaminants during the fires and did see an increase in certain pollutants. However, she reassured residents that their water supply remains safe. The city’s natural groundwater recharge areas are deep enough to likely avoid contamination from recent events.

In conclusion, while the Palisades Fire brought devastation, the community is focused on cleanup and recovery. The local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure safety.