Imagine this: you’re riding your bike down the path at Santa Monica Beach, the ocean breeze on one side and the sound of the city on the other. You look up — and suddenly the pier, the place where families eat cotton candy, where couples ride the Ferris wheel, where musicians play their guitars by the sunset — is swallowed in smoke. The Ferris wheel frame glows orange against the haze, flames crawling through the wooden beams that have stood there for generations. People stop in their tracks. So

42K views · 635 reactions | Live from Santa Monica beach | Santa Monica Close-up | Facebook

49K views · 1.1K reactions | **Santa Monica Beach Alert ** Despite the sunny view at Santa Monica Beach, visitors are urged to stay cautious. A Beach Hazard Statement is in effect until Monday evening due to dangerous rip currents and 3 to 6 feet high surf. Stay out of the water or close to lifeguard stations, and avoid rock jetties. Enjoy the beach safely and stay alert! #SantaMonica #BeachSafety #SurfAlert  @fabianlewkowicz | Santa Monica Close-up | Facebook