LADWP and city leaders faced criticism from some residents who blamed planning and the city’s infrastructure for failing to adequately support firefighting efforts. Additionally, accusations circulated on social media alleging that officials had neglected or been unable to refill water storage tanks. However, Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott countered these claims by stating that the LADWP had proactively replenished all accessible water storage tanks before the fires ignited. Scott explained that an “extreme demand” for water during the firefighting operations led to a slower rate of tank refills, impacting the supply to certain fire hydrants.
In an interview with CBS News on Wednesday, Scott admitted that firefighting crews encountered challenges with water pressure while combatting the Pacific Palisades fire, particularly the previous day. He emphasized the close collaboration between the Fire Department and the Department of Water and Power, noting the proactive filling of all available water storage tanks. However, he highlighted that water availability was compromised at higher elevations, resulting in insufficient pressure for some fire hydrants.
“We’re using maybe four times the normal amount of water because we’re having to use so many hose lines to extinguish the fires,” Scott added.
Mark Pestrella, the director of L.A. County Public Works, acknowledged that the municipal water system servicing homes and businesses was not originally designed for battling wildfires. He emphasized the unsustainability of a firefight scenario involving multiple fire hydrants drawing water from the system for extended periods.
Compounding the crisis in the early hours of Wednesday were high winds and dense smoke, which impeded firefighting aircraft operations, a crucial asset in containing rapidly spreading wildfires, Pestrella noted.
Pestrella appealed to residents to conserve water resources by taking specific precautions before evacuating their homes. “I would ask that you turn off your water and turn off your gas, both things before you leave the residence so that we can continue to have that water supply for the hydrant system,” he stated.
In other news, President Trump expressed intentions to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Meanwhile, a California official issued evacuation orders as the Sunset Fire blazed through the Hollywood Hills. Additionally, an L.A. fire official provided updates on a new wildfire erupting in the Hollywood Hills region.
