California’s governor has called for an independent investigation into the recent loss of water pressure in some fire hydrants during the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed deep concern over the reports of water pressure issues and the unavailability of water supplies from the Santa Ynez Reservoir in a letter posted on X.
The letter, addressed to Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella and the CEO of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Janisse Quiñones, outlined Newsom's directive for state water and firefighting officials to conduct an independent after-incident report. The investigation aims to determine the reasons behind the loss of water pressure and water unavailability during the fires.
Newsom emphasized the importance of finding answers to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that all necessary resources are readily available to combat catastrophic fires. The governor highlighted the need for better preparedness measures and stressed the significance of understanding the root causes of the water supply issues.
The investigation will also focus on identifying actionable steps that officials can take to enhance their readiness for similar emergencies. By conducting a thorough examination of the reported water pressure problems, the state aims to improve its response capabilities and prevent any hindrances in firefighting efforts during wildfires.
