Don, it doesn’t matter whether the reservoir had water or not. There’s plenty of water in the system. The issue is how quickly the fire spread. The current water system is designed to handle 3-4 fires in the same area, not hundreds.

Let’s be clear: Winds of 80-100 mph likely caused a power line to short circuit, sparking the fires. This has been one of the driest years on record, with no rain for eight months. The high winds essentially created a “fire hurricane,” spreading debris and flames miles away in under 40 minutes. Hundreds of firefighters were battling the inferno, but the water system can only handle 3-4 fires at once, not hundreds. As more water is drawn, the pressure in the system drops, making firefighti

When too many fire hydrants are used simultaneously, the following issues can arise:

1.Drop in Water Pressure: The water system relies on consistent pressure to deliver water to hydrants. If multiple hydrants are being used at the same time, the pressure can drop significantly, reducing the effectiveness of each hydrant.

2.Insufficient Water Flow: Lower pressure means a reduced flow rate, making it harder for firefighters to get the volume of water they need to combat large fires effectively.

3.System Strain: Municipal water systems are designed to accommodate a limited number of hydrants being used simultaneously. Overuse can strain the system, potentially causing malfunctions or even temporary shutdowns in certain areas.

4.Access Issues for Other Areas: If hydrants in one area are overused, it may leave other areas without sufficient water supply for firefighting or even general municipal needs.

5.Air in the Lines: Excessive demand can introduce air into the system, leading to inconsistent water flow or temporary interruptions.

6.Backflow Risks: A drop in pressure can lead to backflow, where contaminated water from the ground or other sources is drawn into the system, posing health risks.

To prevent these issues, firefighting teams often coordinate to manage water usage carefully and, in some cases, rely on alternative sources like tanker trucks or portable pumps to supplement the hydrant system.