For over a decade, a plan to provide firefighters in Los Angeles and Orange counties with nearly unlimited access to seawater has remained stalled. Despite the increasing threat of massive wildfires fueled by earthquakes and high winds, this innovative system has yet to be implemented. Experts believe that if this seawater supply system were in place, it could significantly improve firefighting efforts, especially in coastal areas.
The Vision: A Seawater Firefighting Network
The idea of using seawater to fight fires in Southern California was first proposed in 2011 by Charles Scawthorn, a UC Berkeley researcher and engineer. Scawthorn specializes in studying the behavior of mass fires, particularly those that occur after earthquakes. His proposal, developed for the state’s Seismic Safety Commission, aimed to provide an alternative emergency water supply for firefighters.
The plan involved a network of fixed pumping stations capable of delivering thousands of gallons of seawater per minute through three-foot-diameter pipes. These pipes would run along Los Angeles’ network of storm basins, ensuring a steady supply of water during major fires.
According to Scawthorn, “Water is your only solution” when dealing with fires fueled by high winds or earthquakes. He believes that having a system in place to access seawater quickly could prevent devastating fire outbreaks.
A Proven System: Portable Water Supply Technology
Scawthorn’s seawater system was inspired by a similar emergency water supply system developed in San Francisco during the 1980s. This system proved its worth during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake when a massive fire broke out in the Marina District.
Retired San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Assistant Chief Frank Blackburn recalled how the portable water system, which uses hoses and hydrants, helped control the fire despite the city’s main water supply being damaged.
“We had a conflagration, and we were able to keep it to that one square block and extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading,” Blackburn said. He emphasized that controlling a fire requires a reliable water supply, and without it, containment becomes nearly impossible.
Following a massive fire in Malibu in 1996, Blackburn pitched this same portable water system to officials in Los Angeles and Malibu. He demonstrated how it could pump seawater up to a mile away within just 30 minutes. Despite their interest, the project did not move forward due to budget concerns.
“They liked everything we had, but like anything else, they don’t want to spend the money,” Blackburn said.
Challenges in Implementing a Seawater Firefighting System
While the idea of using seawater for firefighting seems logical, there are several challenges that have prevented its adoption.
1. Resistance from Fire Departments
Former Malibu city councilman Paul Grisanti, who has researched ways to strengthen the city’s water supply system, supports the seawater concept. However, he acknowledges that fire crews may be hesitant to embrace it.
“Fire companies are not going to do it,” Grisanti said. “They know fire pumps are sophisticated metal devices, and seawater is very corrosive.”
2. Corrosion Concerns
Seawater is known to cause rust and corrosion in metal equipment. Firefighters worry that relying on seawater could damage their pumps and hoses, leading to costly repairs and potential failures in critical situations.
Blackburn, however, argues that rinsing rigs after use would prevent corrosion. He remains convinced that a seawater firefighting system would have made a difference in recent fire outbreaks in Malibu and the Palisades.
3. Lack of Infrastructure and Funding
Setting up a network of seawater pumps, pipes, and portable firefighting systems would require significant investment. While the system has been proven effective in other cities, officials in Southern California have been reluctant to allocate funds for its development.
The Missed Opportunity: Could Seawater Have Helped Recent Fires?
Blackburn can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if his seawater system had been in place during the massive wildfires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles and Malibu.
“The fireboats could just anchor out right close offshore and supply all the water you need,” he said. “They are right next to the largest supply of water on the whole planet, the Pacific Ocean, and they have no way of accessing the water and using it to control fires anywhere.”
Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in California, reconsidering alternative firefighting methods may become necessary. As climate change continues to fuel larger and more destructive fires, having access to an unlimited water source like the ocean could be a game-changer.
The idea of using seawater to fight fires in Los Angeles and Orange counties has been on hold for over a decade. While the concept has been successfully used in San Francisco, resistance from fire departments, concerns about equipment corrosion, and lack of funding have prevented its implementation in Southern California.
With wildfires becoming more intense and unpredictable, officials may need to revisit this proposal. Investing in a seawater firefighting system could provide a crucial backup water supply, potentially saving lives, homes, and businesses. Whether or not this idea gains traction in the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—firefighters need every possible resource to battle California’s growing wildfire crisis.
