California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday called for an independent investigation by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power amid reports of water supply problems during this week's wildfires.
In a letter to the department's CEO, chief engineer and Los Angeles County public works director, Newsom called the reports “deeply disturbing.”
“Water supplies from local fire hydrants are not designed to extinguish widespread wildfires, but loss of water supply from hydrants is likely to compromise efforts to protect some homes and evacuation routes.” Newsom wrote.
“I requested the state water and fire authorities to prepare an independent post-incident report that investigated the cause of the loss of water supply and water pressure in the municipal water system during the fire and to ensure that adequate water supply was provided. “I have directed local governments to identify measures that can be implemented for emergency response in the event of future catastrophes,” he continued.
As firefighters struggle to extinguish the blaze, questions are mounting about the area's water supply. The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades has been closed for repairs and left vacant as wildfires rage in the area. multiple media coverage. The reservoir typically holds 117 million gallons of water.
In his letter, Newsom cited media reports about water reservoirs, as well as fire hydrants running dry in the affected areas.
The incident comes as Newsom and other state and local officials are under intense scrutiny for their fire preparedness and response. Earlier this week, President-elect Trump called on Newsom to resign, saying he should have signed a proclamation pumping more water to California to avoid the situation.
Mr. Newsom's office pushed back against the accusations, calling them “pure fiction.”
“Documents like the Water Restoration Proclamation do not exist and are completely fictional. The Governor's focus is not on politics but on protecting people and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need.” said Izzy Gurdon, Newsom's communications director.
The wildfires have killed at least 10 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures. More than 300,000 residents have been evacuated or under warning.
