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The ongoing wildfires in Southern California have prompted Los Angeles County officials to ask the public to avoid playing in ocean waters off the coast of Los Angeles County.

The county’s Department of Public Health on Thursday warned that debris and runoff from the Palisades, Eaton, Hughes and other fires is likely to contain ash, which itself “may contain substances including arsenic, other metals, and asbestos, which can be harmful to human health.”

Specifically, officials highlighted the water ranging from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way.

Additional warnings have been issued for high bacterial levels at the following beaches:

  • Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach
    • 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek
  • Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
    • The entire swim area

For information on Los Angeles County beaches, call 800-525-5662 or visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.