The Pacific Palisades fire caused water pressure issues due to high demand, leading to some fire hydrants running dry. While officials stated the water tanks were filled proactively, residents criticized the city's infrastructure for failing to support firefighting efforts.
Some fire hydrants in Pacific Palisades ran dry overnight Tuesday due to 'extreme demand' and low water pressure , Los Angeles officials said. The Palisades Fire, which was first reported at 10:30 a.m. local time Tuesday, has grown to over 15,800 acres with zero containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. The blaze burned through at least 1,000 buildings by Wednesday.
Janisse Quiñones, chief executive and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, said at a Wednesday press conference that all three 1-million-gallon water tanks in the area ran dry by 3 a.m., reducing water pressure for fire hydrants at higher elevations.'We had a tremendous demand on our system in the Palisades. We pushed the system to the extreme,' Quiñones said. 'Four times the normal demand was seen for 15 hours straight, which lowered our water pressure.'Quiñones said the tanks, which supply pressure for hydrants in the hilly Palisades, couldn't refill fast enough as firefighting efforts drained water faster than the main trunk line could supply it.LADWP and city leaders faced criticism by some residents, who blamed planning and the city's infrastructure for failing to support firefighting efforts. Some also claimed on social media that officials had refused or failed to fill the tanks. However, Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott said the LADWP proactively filled all available water storage tanks before the fires began. He said that 'extreme demand' caused the tanks to be refilled at a slower rate, which affected the supply to some hydrants. Scott acknowledged to CBS News in an interview Wednesday that crews 'did experience some challenges with water pressure while battling the Pacific Palisades fire, particularly yesterday. We worked real closely with the Department of Water and Power, and they did proactively fill all of the available water storage tank
FIRE WATER PRESSURE LOS ANGELES PACIFIC PALISADES INFRASTRUCTURE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palisades Fire Forces Evacuations, Threatens Homes in Pacific PalisadesA large brush fire, fueled by strong winds, rapidly spread through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing residents to evacuate and threatening numerous structures.
Read more »
Massive Palisades Fire Erupts in Pacific Palisades, Forcing EvacuationsA 200-acre brush fire, fueled by strong winds, rapidly spread through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday, prompting mandatory evacuations and drawing a large firefighting response.
Read more »
The Palisades Fire Burns a Residence in Pacific PalisadesThe Palisades Fire, which has been burning in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, has destroyed a residence. The fire is located near the Pacific beach and is surrounded by bluffs and canyons. The Pacific Palisades is a celebrity hideaway and popular location for nature lovers.
Read more »
Palisades Fire Burns Residences in Pacific PalisadesThe Palisades Fire, fueled by strong winds, ravaged the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, forcing thousands to evacuate. The fire, visible for miles along the coastline, damaged several residences in the celebrity-studded enclave known for its natural beauty.
Read more »
Palisades Fire Causes Traffic Gridlock, Evacuations in Pacific PalisadesA wildfire fueled by strong winds in Pacific Palisades, California, caused major traffic disruptions and evacuations. The Palisades Fire led to gridlock on Pacific Coast Highway and other escape routes, with at least one vehicle catching fire. Homes are threatened, and some structures may have been damaged by the blaze.
Read more »
Palisades Fire Threatens Homes in Pacific PalisadesThe Palisades Fire, fueled by strong winds, burns near homes in Pacific Palisades, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for firefighters battling the blaze. Smoke from the fire can be seen for miles, affecting visibility and air quality in surrounding areas.
Read more »