Limited Water Supply Hampers Palisades Firefighting Efforts
As fires continued to ravage Los Angeles, a critical issue emerged hindering the efforts of firefighters battling the Palisades fire – limited water supply. Reports surfaced on Tuesday revealing that hydrants in Pacific Palisades were running dry, leaving firefighters scrambling to contain the blaze.
Hydrants Running Dry
Firefighters on the ground communicated over internal radio systems that the hydrants in Pacific Palisades were coming up empty. “The hydrants are down,” one firefighter reported. Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Water supply just dropped.”
L.A. developer Rick Caruso, owner of Palisades Village, shared similar concerns as reports from his staff indicated a lack of water in the fire hydrants. “There’s no water in the fire hydrants,” Caruso lamented. “The firefighters are there, and there’s nothing they can do – we’ve got neighborhoods burning, homes burning, and businesses burning. It should never happen.”
Department of Water and Power Response
A spokesman for the Department of Water and Power (DWP) acknowledged the reports of diminished water flow from hydrants but did not provide specific details on the extent of the issue. The DWP stated that water crews were actively working in the neighborhood to address the water supply shortage and ensure the availability of water supplies.
Root Cause of the Issue
The exact cause and scope of the hydrant problems remained unclear. Caruso pointed to issues with the reservoirs that feed the neighborhood’s hydrants as a systemic problem within the city. He highlighted the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and city mismanagement.
Personal Impact
In a poignant revelation, Caruso shared the personal toll of the ongoing fire crisis. He disclosed that his daughter’s home had been destroyed in the blaze, and he anxiously awaited news on the fate of his son’s residence. As several homes around his Palisades Village shopping center were engulfed in flames, Caruso experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of the fire.
Amid the chaos and destruction, Caruso emphasized the urgent need for swift action to address the water supply issues and prevent future crises. The unfolding situation in Pacific Palisades serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adequate resources and infrastructure in firefighting efforts.