Wildfires in Los Angeles: Impacts on wildlife and ocean ecosystems

The wildfires burning in Los Angeles continue to burn, threatening human lives and buildings and scorching an area bigger than San Francisco. Wildfires also threaten local wildlife and potentially our oceans.

Impact on Wildlife 

Wildfires are part of nature’s cycles, and one might think that animals are prepared to escape the fires. However, the intensity and frequency of wildfires are increasing globally, which can result in a devastating and unprecedented impact on ecosystems and the wildlife in the area.

California is no exception to the increase in the frequency of wildfires

The ongoing wildfires in LA can have devastating impacts on wildlife. While some animals may be able to flee, many species are unable to escape the flames due to limited mobility and specific habitat requirements. These wildfires pose serious threats and long-term consequences to local ecosystems and can significantly impact species’ survival, potentially disrupting entire ecological communities.

The fires threaten wildlife in multiple ways: direct mortality from flames, loss of critical habitats and food sources, and respiratory issues from smoke inhalation. The wildfires devastating residential neighborhoods in LA have also scorched vast stretches of natural habitat, potentially threatening the bears, mountain lions, squirrels and other wildlife that make these areas their home. As the Palisades Fire approached, a mountain lion family – a mother and two cubs – was spotted crossing Topanga Canyon Boulevard to escape.

How to help wildlife distressed by wildfires 

If you spot wildlife affected by the LA wildfires, there are several ways you can help these animals in distress. Wildlife rehabilitation centers across the region are actively accepting injured animals and providing critical care. You can easily report sightings through the Animal Help Now app, which connects you with wildlife 911 service. 

The Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control and California Animal Response Emergency Support (CARES) are leading efforts to provide information on animal shelters to help displaced animals. Their online resources can guide you on animal shelters when you encounter wildlife in need. California Department of Fish and Wildlife also provides resources on wildlife rehabilitation facilities in California. 

Local organizations like the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Centers are working tirelessly to rescue and treat affected animals. However, they require ongoing support for medical supplies and specialized treatment. You can consider making a monetary donation to these centers to help them continue their vital work during this challenging time. Pasadena Humane (626-577-3752) and LA Animal Services (888-452-7381) are treating animals that are affected by these wildfires.

It is important to note that situations may change quickly, affecting each rehabilitation facility or a shelter’s capacity to accept animals in need. 

Impact on the ocean

The impacts of wildfires can extend beyond the burning forests and into the Pacific Ocean through a complex chain of environmental reactions. 

The LA County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water advisory due to firefighting runoff entering coastal waters. The runoff, containing firefighting chemicals and debris, can potentially harm marine ecosystems by degrading water quality and affecting marine life. While the full environmental impact of the current situation in LA and the Pacific Ocean remains unclear, recent research indicates that runoff from fires involving common household materials, particularly polyurethane foam found in furniture and bedding, can pose significant environmental hazards.

Huge amounts of ash and smoke entering into the atmosphere can reduce sunlight penetration, creating challenges for vital marine plants such as kelp forests to photosynthesize. Ash brought by the winds can eventually end up in the ocean, changing the ocean chemistry. Although ashes can bring nutrients and boost phytoplankton growth, this sudden growth can lead to harmful algae blooms and deplete the oxygen level in the ocean.  

A combination of such issues can create significant challenges for marine ecosystems by interfering with the marine food webs. 

Topics
Authors

Mio Senzaki

Ocean Conservation Associate, Environment California

As the ocean conservation associate, Mio works to protect the ocean and its marine biodiversity by expanding protected areas along the California coast through lobbying, community engagement and research. Mio lives in San Francisco, where she enjoys exploring the city's natural spaces, hiking local trails and spending time at the beach.

Laura Deehan

State Director, Environment California

Laura directs Environment California's work to tackle global warming, protect the ocean and fight for clean air, clean water, open spaces and a livable planet. Laura stepped into the State Director role in January, 2021 and has been on staff for over twenty years. She has led campaigns to make sure California goes big on offshore wind and to get lead out of school drinking water. As the Environment California Field Director, she worked to get California to go solar, ban single use plastic grocery bags and get on track for 100% clean energy. Laura lives with her family in Richmond, California where she enjoys hiking, yoga and baking.