Newsom Calls For Investigation
California’s ongoing wildfire crisis has exposed serious shortcomings in the state’s emergency preparedness, particularly in relation to the management of critical water resources. On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced plans for an independent investigation into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) after reports surfaced of water supply issues that hindered firefighting efforts during this week’s devastating wildfires.
In a letter to the CEO of LADWP and the director of LA County Public Works, Newsom expressed his concerns over the “deeply troubling” situation, highlighting that the loss of water from local fire hydrants likely impaired efforts to protect homes and evacuation routes. While acknowledging that fire hydrants are not designed to fight wildfires over large areas, the governor made it clear that the loss of water in certain areas may have contributed to the ongoing crisis.
Newsom directed state water and firefighting officials to conduct an independent review of the incident, aiming to identify the causes of the water supply issues and to recommend actions that local governments can take to prevent future water shortages during major emergencies.
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of California’s response to the wildfires. Questions about the region’s water supply have intensified, particularly after reports that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a key water source for fire suppression, was closed for repairs and empty as the fires raged. This reservoir typically holds 117 million gallons of water and was crucial to controlling the flames.
Critics, including President-elect Trump, have slammed Newsom for his handling of the crisis. Trump even called for the governor’s resignation, accusing him of failing to take necessary steps to ensure adequate water was available to fight the fires. Newsom’s office swiftly dismissed these accusations as “pure fiction,” with communications director Izzy Gardon defending the governor’s focus on protecting lives and ensuring resources for firefighters.
As the fires continue to devastate the region, claiming at least 10 lives and destroying over 10,000 structures, the state’s failure to secure reliable water sources raises serious questions about its preparedness for future catastrophes. Over 300,000 residents are currently under evacuation orders, with many more at risk. As California faces an unprecedented wildfire season, the need for better coordination and resource management has never been clearer.
