As the Pacific Palisades neighborhood grapples with one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County’s history, firefighters are confronting an unexpected challenge: dry fire hydrants.
The blaze, which has scorched approximately 16,000 acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures, has been exacerbated by powerful Santa Ana winds, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph.
The Palisades Fire, which has scorched over 25,000 acres, remains at 0% containment.
Similarly, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena has burned more than 5,000 acres and is also at 0% containment.
These fires have led to significant destruction, including the loss of over 1,000 structures and at least five fatalities. Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 150,000 residents as emergency services work tirelessly to manage the crisis, The Times reported.
These conditions have not only intensified the flames but also hindered aerial firefighting efforts, as aircraft have been grounded due to the severe winds.
On the ground, firefighters have reported that several hydrants in the area have run dry, severely hampering their efforts to control the inferno.
“There’s no water in the fire hydrants,” Rick Caruso, owner of the Palisades Village shopping center, told The Times. “The firefighters are there, and there’s