Can firefighters use saltwater to battle California wildfires?

As multiple wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, including the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, authorities are resorting to unconventional methods to battle the flames. One such method involves scooping up ocean water to combat the wildfires, despite the potential risks associated with using saltwater.

Frank Papalia, a former New York City Fire Department lieutenant and fire safety expert at Global Security Group, explained that while saltwater can damage equipment, infrastructure, and wildlife, sometimes firefighters have no choice but to use it in extreme situations. He compared the necessity of using saltwater in firefighting to the urgency of moving an injured person in danger.

The primary way to utilize saltwater in firefighting is by extracting it from the ocean with planes or helicopters and dropping it from above onto the flames. This method is already being employed in Southern California, where large wildfires have been burning out of control. However, there have been instances of interference with firefighting efforts, such as flying drones near firefighting aircraft, which is a federal crime punishable by law.

Despite the potential consequences of using saltwater, Papalia emphasized that in dire situations like the current wildfires in Southern California, the benefits may outweigh the risks. He noted that the limitations on the number of aircraft that can be deployed, the distance they have to travel, and the amount of water they can carry pose challenges in effectively combating the wildfires.

While traditional fire hydrants do not use saltwater due to various logistical and cost-related reasons, fire trucks can be adapted to use saltwater if necessary. Papalia cited examples of fire departments in New York using saltwater from Jamaica Bay for firefighting purposes, highlighting the need for thorough cleaning of the trucks after use.

The wildfires in Southern California have already claimed at least 10 lives, with authorities expecting the death toll to rise. More than 130,000 people have been evacuated from their homes, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized over 7,500 firefighters and support personnel to assist in firefighting efforts. Additionally, neighboring states have also sent firefighting assets to help combat the wildfires.

Despite the challenges and devastation caused by the wildfires, Papalia remains hopeful that the concerted efforts of firefighters and emergency responders will help contain the blazes. The ongoing wildfires are a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift action in the face of natural disasters.