By Rachel Becker, CalMatters
Last January, as devastating fires raged in Los Angeles, many were left wondering: Where was the water? This question was posed by various figures, including wealthy developer Rick Caruso and then-President Donald Trump. It sparked a wave of investigations and promises for better water management, especially as the fires consumed homes and landscapes.
In the aftermath, a UCLA team led by Gregory Pierce investigated whether the water shortages during the Palisades Fire significantly impacted firefighting efforts. Their findings revealed that, in urban settings, fire hydrants often fail when needed the most. For instance, during the Palisades Fire, they noted that low water pressure may be a common occurrence rather than an isolated incident. The report suggested that fire hydrants struggling to maintain adequate pressure could be part of a broader issue during major urban fires.
This conclusion aligns with a state investigation that found ample water in the system but insufficient pressure to meet firefighting demands, exacerbated by the destruction of homes. Even if the Santa Ynez reservoir had been full, the state determined that hydrants would still have struggled to function effectively.
Recent data highlights the ongoing impact of these fires. The Eaton and Palisades fires caused billions in damages, claimed lives, and pointed to a significant lapse in emergency preparedness. Experts from various agencies have noted that urban water systems aren’t designed for major wildfire suppression, contributing to a feeling of betrayal among residents who expected better support from local authorities.
According to a survey by USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research, about a third of Los Angeles County residents blamed poor water management for the wildfires. Meanwhile, a study by Probolsky Research found that many voters were surprised to learn that fire hydrants are not equipped for large-scale fire suppression.
During emergencies, people often seek clear explanations for chaos, turning to simple narratives. Dr. Lisa Fazio, a psychology professor, notes that in times of crisis, communities tend to latch onto straightforward explanations, leading to misconceptions about the complexities involved, such as the limitations of fire hydrants during catastrophic events.
This pattern isn’t new. Historical fires have shown similar issues with firefighting capacities. For example, during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the same concerns arose about hydrant pressures in Santa Rosa. As Paul Lowenthal, a Santa Rosa fire marshal, recalls, the main focus was saving lives. It wasn’t merely a matter of fire hydrant functionality; many decisions were made under extreme pressure, with firefighters prioritizing evacuation over firefighting.
Legislation is now being introduced to address these concerns. In Ventura County, where major wildfires have raised alarms about hydrant failures, new laws aim to enhance water supply systems and ensure they are better prepared for future disasters. Assemblymember Steve Bennett emphasizes that systems should at least be able to tackle small fires before they escalate.
Yet, there are worries among smaller water suppliers about the costs associated with compliance. Daryl Osby, a former Los Angeles County fire chief, has expressed concerns about the financial viability of smaller water systems making the necessary upgrades to ensure residents’ safety.
The intersection of climate change and fire management is also reshaping expectations of urban water systems. Faith Kearns from ASU emphasizes that the increasing intensity of wildfires is forcing a reevaluation of how communities prepare for these disasters. For firefighters, conditions often determine what’s possible, far more than available resources. When wildfires threaten communities, safety becomes the primary focus, sometimes leaving ideal firefighting strategies behind.
In this context, the gripping narrative around the Palisades Fire highlights the need for a deeper understanding of urban infrastructure’s capabilities in disaster scenarios. As more studies emerge, they could shed light on the perceptions surrounding water management and help communities prepare for the challenges ahead.
This article was originally published on CalMatters and is republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
Source link
Los Angeles,wildfires
