Wildfires are sweeping through Los Angeles County, scorching more than 36,000 acres, destroying at least 10,000 structures, and claiming the lives of at least 11 people. Despite Los Angeles bordering the vast Pacific Ocean, firefighters are still struggling to find enough water to battle the blazes. Governor Gavin Newsom recently told CNN that local hydrants have been “completely tapped,” raising the question: why not pump water straight from the ocean?
Below is a closer look at the reasons California can’t simply rely on ocean water to fight the wildfires.
Why Fire Hydrants Are Running Dry
Los Angeles County typically plans for smaller, isolated fires, but this season’s infernos are massive and spread across multiple regions simultaneously.
• Hydrants can handle a few smaller fires at once, not large-scale blazes covering thousands of acres
• Multiple fires burning at the same time drain resources faster than they can be replenished
The Impact Of Salt On Equipment
While seawater may seem like a quick fix, its salty nature poses serious challenges for firefighting gear.
• Salt corrodes metal equipment, including airplane tanks and fire pumps
• Repairs and replacements can be costly and time-consuming in the midst of an emergency
Salt Water’s Reduced Cooling Effect
Water helps extinguish fires by lowering the temperature of burning materials. Unfortunately, ocean water doesn’t cool as efficiently.
• Salt in the water can reduce its ability to cool a fire
• Salty water can carry an electrical charge more effectively, creating additional risks for firefighters
Environmental Concerns With Seawater
Dumping large volumes of salt water on land can have a harmful long-term impact on the environment.
• Excess salt can seep into the soil, making it more difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients
• High salinity can hamper seedling growth and disrupt the soil’s permeability
When Salt Water Is Used Anyway
Firefighters aren’t completely opposed to seawater; they just deploy it strategically.
• They weigh equipment damage, potential environmental harm, and urgency of the threat before using it
• Salt water may be used in dire emergencies, such as to protect critical infrastructure or to buy time when freshwater supplies are exhausted
Fire officials will continue to prioritize freshwater sources as the safest, most effective way to battle large-scale blazes. While the ocean sits only miles away from the flames, the challenges of using salty water — from equipment corrosion to environmental damage — make it a last resort in the ongoing fight against California’s wildfires