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Why the Palisades Fire Wasn’t Just About Water

  • Writer: Joe Grindstaff
    Joe Grindstaff
  • May 3, 2025
  • 3 min read
Firefighters battle intense flames at a burning building. Orange glow, thick smoke, and charred debris dominate the scene.

Every time there’s a major wildfire, the same question pops up:“Why didn’t they just use more water?”


It’s a fair question—but it oversimplifies how wildfires really work, especially here in Southern California. The truth is, water agencies and fire departments are working under intense conditions, and in many cases, it’s not a lack of water that causes the devastation. It’s a mix of wind, weather, terrain, and in some cases—neglect.  Both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Canyon Fire once started, were driven by winds that caused the fires to jump not just from building to building or plant to plant but sometimes by a mile or more.  The only thing that works when that happens is prevention in the form of having very fire resistant structures and landscapes so when an ember lands it has no material to burn.  While some better planning and response would lessen damage and early monitoring is key, in a fire storm mother nature is in charge.


Let’s look at those two recent fires that hit close to home: the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Canyon Fire. These weren’t just natural disasters—they were preventable tragedies made worse by human error and aging infrastructure.


When the Smoke Clears: What the Palisades and Eaton Fires Teach Us

On January 7, 2025, two wildfires ignited within hours of each other in Southern California—each with different causes, but both reinforcing the same message: wildfires are often preventable, and their effects linger long after the flames are out.


The Palisades Fire began near an area that had already burned on New Year’s Day. Though crews believed that fire was extinguished, signs of smoke were seen days later. Investigators now suspect the blaze reignited from residual heat near Skull Rock, where utility debris, charred vegetation, and social media footage confirmed activity just before the fire erupted (New York Times, 2025).


At the same time, the Eaton Fire broke out near Altadena, likely sparked by downed power lines during strong Santa Ana winds. It spread rapidly through dry terrain, endangering homes and residents in its path.


Beyond immediate damage, environmental testing after the Eaton Fire revealed elevated lead levels in nearby soil—likely from older homes that burned and released lead-based paint into the air and soil. According to LA County Public Health, more than 90% of homes in Altadena were built before 1975, and the findings exceed public health screening thresholds (LA County Public Health, 2025).


In response to fire risks like this, utilities have introduced Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)—temporary outages during dangerous weather conditions. While controversial, they remain one of the few preventive measures currently available.


The lesson is clear: wildfire prevention must go beyond water access. We need better post-fire monitoring, smarter utility planning, and community-wide readiness. Fires don’t end when they’re extinguished—they leave behind health hazards, infrastructure damage, and a call to prepare more thoughtfully for the future.


The Role of Water—and Why It’s Not Enough

As a board member at Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), I know how essential water is during a wildfire. We invest in hydrants, reservoirs, and emergency pipelines to ensure our systems are ready. But when fires break out under extreme conditions—dry brush, high winds, and delayed detection—water alone isn’t always enough.


That’s why prevention is just as critical as suppression. EMWD works closely with fire departments and emergency services, but wildfire safety also depends on community awareness and action.


Key components of wildfire prevention include:

  • Regular brush clearance and maintaining defensible space

  • Smart utility planning, like Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

  • Thoughtful land use planning in high-risk zones

  • Real-time monitoring and early response

While wildfires threaten communities across California, effective solutions start locally. Residents can help by staying alert, reporting smoke early, clearing dry vegetation, and preparing for potential PSPS events and evacuations.

Investments in water and power infrastructure don’t just support emergency response—they help prevent fires from starting in the first place.

Wildfire season isn’t going away. The time to prepare is before the smoke is in the air. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future.


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