California Wildfires Spark Investigations into Water Supply Issues
As devastating wildfires rage through Los Angeles, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the alarming water shortages that have hindered firefighting efforts. Authorities report that numerous fire hydrants ran dry, exacerbating the destruction caused by the flames, which have already claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed over 10,000 homes and businesses. The Santa Ynez Reservoir, crucial for firefighting efforts, was offline due to maintenance when the fires erupted. Criticism has surged regarding the lack of preparedness and the failure of water utility protocols following assertions by President Biden that power outages intended to mitigate fire risks contributed to the water crisis. As officials seek answers, concerns are also being raised about the contamination of drinking water supplies in the burn areas and the feasibility of using ocean water to combat the wildfires.
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