Beaches Blighted By Holy Fire Burn Scar Runoff

TRABUCO CANYON, CA —On Thursday afternoon, Capistrano Beach experienced the final runoff from the Trabuco Creek mudslide. Captured on camera by resident David Okun, the blight of that ash and burn scar runoff is just one of the Orange County Health Department has issued a warning to avoid going into the ocean after a storm.

A rain advisory was in effect for at least another 48-hours, health officials in Los Angeles and Orange counties said. Both, issuing their standard warning against going into the ocean near storm drains, creeks and rivers that could be carrying bacteria-laden storm runoff into the water.

Orange County health officials said bacteria levels could remain elevated for up to three days following significant rainfall.

Echoing that assessment, Los Angeles County public health officials issued an advisory about beach water dangers near discharge sites that will last until at least 7 a.m. Sunday.

"Bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around these outlets after a rainfall," according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill.

"Discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach. Therefore, anybody who wants to go to other areas at the beach can still enjoy their beach outing."

Information about Los Angeles County beach conditions is available online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach or on a hotline at (800) 525-5662.

Orange County beach information is available at www.ocbeachinfo.com or (714) 433- 6400.

Photo: Courtesy Patch reader David Okun: Capistrano Beach after runoff hits the ocean, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018.