Is Los Angeles Out of Water to Fight Wildfires? What We Know

Wildfires in California have put new pressure on Los Angeles' water supply, according to local reports.

Newsweek contacted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for more information.

Why It Matters

The water supply has been used constantly to combat the wildfires, which have driven more than 30,000 residents to evacuate from the affected areas. At least two people have died and more than a thousand have been injured, making preventing the further spread of the fire vital to resident safety.

What To Know

Reports from local media in California have suggested that Los Angeles could be running low on water, after large resources were dedicated to fighting the fire in Palisades.

The first reports began with Fox11, which reported that the reservoir had not been properly filled ahead of the blaze. One report said that the fire department did not have enough water in the hydrants, with one local real estate developer telling Fox11: "You can't fight a fire without water."

A firefighter works to put out a brush fire burning near homes in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7, 2025. A fast-moving brushfire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked evacuations Tuesday as... Getty Images

Later, local news outlet The Los Angeles Scanner wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that there was "pretty much no water in the Palisades right now."

Additionally, independent Californian journalist Anthony Cabassa reported: "Multiple sources confirming what was reported, there is NO WATER or resources to fight the fires. What happened? This is a complete failure despite warnings to @MayorOfLA. Karen Bass that these winds would potentially bring unprecedented fires into LA County today - Friday."

The wildfire, which first started on Tuesday morning in Pacific Palisades, has destroyed over 2,900 acres according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and winds continue to spread the fire toward residential areas.

What People Are Saying

Traci Park, a Los Angeles city councilwoman whose district includes Pacific Palisades, said on Tuesday: "This is going to be devastating, a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles."

California Governor Gavin Newsom said: "All hands are on deck to fight the Palisades Fire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze. We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather."

President Joe Biden said: "I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials."

What Happens Next

Authorities are warning residents that continued high winds around the city with the wildfires are expected to continue through the week, spreading the fire further.

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