Los Angeles, a city synonymous with sunshine, celebrities, and now, perhaps, a salty solution. Faced with increasingly ferocious wildfires and dwindling freshwater supplies, the city is grappling with a burning question: Can the ocean, the very source of its iconic beaches, also extinguish the flames that threaten to consume it? This isn’t just about putting out fires; it’s about quenching a thirst – a thirst for water, for innovation, and for a future where the city can rise above the ashes, even when faced with the fiercest of infernos.
TL;DR
- Seawater can be a viable option for firefighting: Despite concerns about corrosion and cooling efficiency, saltwater can effectively extinguish fires in emergencies.
- Proper equipment maintenance is crucial: Regular flushing and maintenance of firefighting equipment are essential to minimize damage from saltwater use.
- Environmental impact needs careful consideration: Saltwater can harm plant life and soil, but the damage can be mitigated with proper planning and remediation efforts.

Wildfires in Los Angeles are nothing new, but with increasing intensity and water shortages, many are asking: Can we use seawater to fight these fires?
We’ll tackle four big claims about using seawater in firefighting:
- Saltwater corrodes fire equipment and shouldn’t be used.
- Saltwater is less effective at cooling than freshwater.
- Using saltwater harms plant life and the environment.
- Drawing seawater is impractical for firefighting operations.
But before diving in, let’s address the root of the problem: the critical shortage of water during wildfires.
The Water Crisis in Los Angeles Wildfires
Why do we run out of water during wildfires?
The answer lies in infrastructure and human error. When homeowners evacuate, many forget two crucial steps:
- Shutting off their gas supply.
- Turning off their water valves.
When homes burn, open pipes gush water, draining local supplies. Additionally, water systems rely on gravity-fed pressure from reservoirs and towers. During high demand, the water supply can’t keep up with the draw, causing pressure drops and dry hydrants.
To make matters worse, infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with growth. Developers often opt for cheaper, smaller pipes, sacrificing resilience. Unlike San Francisco—which installed redundant systems after the 1906 earthquake—most cities, including Los Angeles, lack such backup plans.

Let’s Talk Saltwater: Breaking Down the Myths
1. Does Saltwater Destroy Fire Equipment?
This myth needs extinguishing. Yes, saltwater is corrosive, but the idea that a fire truck will crumble into a rust heap after one use is nonsense. Here’s the reality:
- Pumps and hoses are designed to handle much worse. Rural fire departments routinely draw water from muddy ponds and rivers. If they can manage sediment-filled water, they can handle saltwater.
- After using saltwater, standard protocol involves flushing the equipment with freshwater. This minimizes long-term damage and ensures functionality.
My Perspective:
Fire equipment is like a well-trained athlete—it needs care and maintenance. Neglect it, and yes, it’ll break down. But with proper flushing and upkeep, saltwater is a viable option. Plus, let’s be real: equipment wear and tear is a small price to pay when lives and homes are at stake.
2. Is Saltwater Less Effective at Cooling?
Saltwater does have a slightly lower heat absorption rate than freshwater due to its mineral content. However, the difference is negligible in practical terms. The sheer volume of water being sprayed matters more than its heat absorption properties.
When fighting fires, the goal isn’t just cooling; it’s also smothering the flames by depriving them of oxygen. Saltwater is perfectly capable of achieving this.
My Perspective:
If the fire’s big enough to need seawater, quibbling over cooling efficiency feels like debating sunscreen brands during a volcanic eruption. Use what’s available!
3. Will Saltwater Damage the Environment?
This concern holds more weight. Saltwater can harm plants and soil, leaving behind salt deposits that inhibit growth. However, the damage is localized and can be mitigated with rainfall or deliberate flushing with freshwater post-fire.
Cities like San Francisco already use saltwater in emergencies without creating barren wastelands. It’s about balancing the immediate need to save lives and property with long-term environmental recovery.
My Perspective:
The environment takes a hit in any wildfire scenario. Using saltwater responsibly could save more than it harms, provided follow-up remediation is part of the plan.
4. Is Drawing Seawater Impractical?
Not at all! Coastal cities like Los Angeles are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this resource. Fireboats, portable pumps, and relay systems can transport seawater inland. In fact, the Los Angeles County Fire Department has trained for such scenarios using advanced fireboats capable of pumping tens of thousands of gallons per minute.
My Perspective:
If cities like San Francisco can create saltwater infrastructure, why not Los Angeles? It’s a matter of investment and prioritization.
My Take: Why Isn’t This Happening Already?
Let’s call it what it is: a funding issue. Building saltwater pumping systems, fireboats, and additional water towers requires money—lots of it. Public officials are often reluctant to allocate resources for systems that may only be used during rare, catastrophic events.
But here’s the kicker: disasters aren’t rare anymore. Climate change is fueling longer, hotter fire seasons. Investing in solutions like saltwater systems isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
Solutions and the Path Forward
1. Upgrade Infrastructure:
Cities must build redundant water systems, including saltwater pipelines and reservoirs. San Francisco’s dual hydrant system is a model worth emulating.
2. Public Education:
Homeowners need to know how to shut off their gas and water before evacuating. Simple steps can save valuable resources.
3. Embrace Innovation:
From portable seawater pumps to firefighting drones, technology offers promising solutions. It’s time to think creatively.
4. Political Will:
Leaders must prioritize wildfire preparedness in budgets and policies. It’s cheaper to prevent destruction than to rebuild after it.
Final Thoughts
Wildfires are relentless, but our response doesn’t have to be. Using seawater to fight fires isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a powerful tool in our arsenal. With proper planning, infrastructure, and education, we can harness this untapped resource without succumbing to myths and misinformation.
So, Los Angeles, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get salty—literally.