𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛: USC Researchers Test Coastal Microbes After Palisades Fire

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On the morning of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, graduate students from the University of Southern California (USC) were seen collecting ocean water samples from the Santa Monica Pier as part of a field study investigating how marine microorganisms have been affected by the recent wildfire runoff into the Pacific. Using a bucket and rope, the students retrieved water from just below the surface. “Hi, my name is Mia. I'm here with Bradley and my lab partner Kelsey,” Mia explained. “We're here to look at marine microorganisms and their response to the fires and the subsequent rainfalls that L.A. has been experiencing.” The team’s research directly connects to the environmental aftermath of the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, amid severe drought and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The wildfire scorched 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas. Twelve people lost their lives in the blaze, which was fully contained on January 31 after weeks of intense firefighting. Now, with heavy winter rains having followed the fire, scientists are studying how ash, debris, and nutrient-rich runoff may be altering coastal microbial ecosystems. “We just collected our water samples,” Mia added. “We’ll take them back to the lab to filter and analyze for any microbial shifts.” — Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. Stay tuned for continued coverage of post-fire recovery and environmental impact research.