Is It Safe To Surf After A Fire?
Los Angeles Fire Along The PCH Highway Jan, 8th 2025
Is It Safe to Surf After a Fire? Here’s What You Need to Know
Wildfires are a harsh reality for Southern California and Los Angeles locals, especially after scorching summers with little to no rainfall. While some fires remain small, others grow into destructive firestorms, like the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, or Runyon Canyon Fires. After the flames are extinguished and the smoke clears, many surfers are left wondering: Is it safe to surf after a fire?
The simple answer is no—and here’s why.
Poor Air Quality
One of the biggest concerns after a wildfire is air quality. Surfing involves physical exertion, and as you paddle out, you’re breathing deeply, pulling polluted air into your lungs. Wildfire smoke often contains harmful toxins from burnt plastics, paint, chemicals, and other debris. These pollutants can enter your bloodstream, potentially leading to both short-term and long-term health issues.
Contaminated Water
Another major reason to avoid surfing after a fire is the contamination of ocean water. Wildfires leave behind ash composed of everything consumed by the flames—plants, homes, plastics, and more. This ash washes into the ocean, filling the water with harmful particles. Surfing through or swallowing this water can expose you to toxins that irritate your mouth, eyes, and ears. To stay safe, wait at least two full tide cycles after the fire has been extinguished. This allows the ocean to naturally dilute and flush out much of the debris and toxins—a rule of thumb similar to avoiding the ocean after heavy rain.
The Ocean Needs Time to Heal
Lastly, wildfires wreak havoc on the beach’s delicate ecosystem, from its marine life to the tiniest microorganisms. The ocean and its wildlife need time to recover from the stress of fire-related debris. Staying out of the water gives the ecosystem a chance to heal without the added burden of human pollutants like preservative-based sunscreens, polystyrene, epoxy, surf wax, or wetsuit residues.
Image of the Los Angeles Malibu Fire from a beachfront mansion of a destroyed neighborhood. #PalisadesFire2025.
By avoiding surfing immediately after a wildfire, you protect not only your health but also the ocean’s ability to recover. If you’re wondering, Is it safe to surf after a fire? remember that waiting just a few days can make all the difference for you and the environment.
