Current situation

Question

Traveling to Santa Monica in April I was wondering how much impact the fires have had in the area?

Answer

Good question. Short answer: yes, the January 2025 wildfires (especially the Palisades Fire) did affect the Santa Monica area, but for an April trip, many of the acute risks have been substantially mitigated. That said, there are some ongoing considerations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current situation:

1. What happened

In early January 2025, a large wildfire (the Palisades Fire) burned in the Santa Monica Mountains and nearby areas.
The fire came quite close to Santa Monica: parts of the city north of Montana Avenue were under evacuation warning, and some mandatory evacuations occurred earlier.
Strong Santa Ana winds contributed to rapid spread and also carried ash and debris.

2. Current (April) health and environmental conditions

Air quality: During the fires, ash and fine particles were a concern. Some of these particles (like ash) may not register fully on standard AQI monitors, according to local residents.
Beach water and sand: Public health testing of ocean water and beach sand in Santa Monica has found no dangerous levels of wildfire-related chemicals (metals, PCBs, PAHs). Beaches have been officially reopened.
Debris risk: Even though the beaches are open, fire-related debris (such as charred wood or other materials) can still wash up with tides. Beachgoers are advised to steer clear of any large fire debris.
Cleanup efforts: The city and regional authorities are actively engaged in debris removal and environmental remediation. The EPA staging area for debris removal will complete soil testing and remediation soon.

3. Impact on parks and outdoor recreation

Some fire-affected parks and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains remain closed.
There is increased risk in burned areas: soil erosion, unstable terrain, and possibly lingering ash or debris may pose hazards.

4. Precautions & Tips for Visiting

Check local air quality reports before outdoor activities. While the worst smoke phase has passed, local ash may still be present in pockets. Wearing a mask (e.g., N95) remains a reasonable precaution if you feel sensitive to air quality.
When at the beach, avoid any washed-up debris that looks like it came from the fire.
If hiking, especially in the hills or recently-affected areas, check which trails are open and safe. Some trails may still be restricted or impacted.
Be aware of potential traffic or access changes. While many routes are open, there was disruption earlier, and cleanup operations are ongoing.

5. Overall travel impact

From a visitor perspective, Santa Monica is largely “back to normal.” The city itself did not suffer widespread structural damage, and beach access is safe according to tests. Recreational activities should be possible, but with some mindfulness around debris and potential residual ash. Most major risks are now managed through cleanup and environmental monitoring.

If you’re okay taking a few sensible precautions, your trip in April should be quite safe and enjoyable.