Did L.A. wildfire debris worsen this year's toxic algal bloom? Researchers say it's unlikely

Scientists found January’s devastating fires likely didn’t worsen the algae bloom that killed hundreds of marine animals along California’s coast.

An ocean upwelling event brought nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, creating conditions far more significant than fire-related pollution.

The bloom extended from Baja to Bodega Bay, marking the fourth consecutive year of such outbreaks in Southern California.

When scores of dead and dying sea animals began washing up on L.A.-area beaches just weeks after January’s devastating fires, the timing seemed suspicious.

Harmful algae blooms had sickened marine life in each of the three years prior. But the especially high number of animal deaths this year prompted several research teams to investigate whether runoff from the fires may hav