Newsom Orders Investigation Into LA Water Department as Hydrants Run Dry During Wildfires

Jan 10, 2025, 09:32 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for an independent investigation into the loss of water pressure to local fire hydrants and the reported unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir during the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Firefighters reportedly had to use residential pools for water after some hydrants ran dry, hampering efforts to protect homes. Newsom emphasized the need for answers to ensure such failures do not happen again, stating, 'We need answers.' The investigation will focus on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to determine the causes behind the water supply issues that affected firefighting operations.