Can Seawater Fight Fires in SoCal | Why No Water | Fireboats | Damage From Seawater


Can Seawater Fight Fires in SoCal | Why No Water | Fireboats | Damage From Seawater - YouTube

In this video, Sal Mercogliano—a maritime historian at Campbell University (@campbelledu) longtime firefighter, and former merchant mariner — discusses the use of seawater and how it can be utilized to fight the wildfires in southern California.

I'll provide a summary of this video discussing the use of seawater for fighting fires in Los Angeles. Sal, who has experience as both a Merchant Mariner and a 25-year firefighter, addresses four main concerns about using seawater to fight fires:

1. Water Shortage Context:

  • -          Los Angeles is experiencing water shortages during firefighting due to:
  • Evacuated homes with water lines left on, causing system-wide drainage - when you evacuate your house during a wildfire turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity)
  • Water towers being unable to refill fast enough during high demand
  • Insufficient infrastructure for water retention

2. Seawater Usage Capabilities:

  • -          LA and Long Beach have fireboats capable of pumping 31,000-41,000 gallons per minute (none in San Diego)
  • Portable pumps and relay systems can transport seawater inland using large diameter hoses
  • Military-style floating or underwater hose systems can be utilized

3. Common Concerns Debunked:

  • -          Equipment Corrosion: While saltwater isn't ideal for equipment, proper maintenance and flushing afterward prevents serious damage
  •   Cooling Effectiveness: Though saltwater may be slightly less effective than freshwater, it's far better than no water
  •   Environmental Impact: Saltwater doesn't permanently destroy soil or vegetation; areas recover after exposure
  •   Sal specifically addresses the myth about Romans salting Carthaginian fields as historically inaccurate

4. Current Firefighting Challenges:

  • -          Santa Ana winds make the fires extremely difficult to control
  •  Fires move very quickly, similar to lava flow
  •  Conventional tactic of establishing fire breaks doesn't work, as they can be jumped in these conditions
  • Defensive tactics are often necessary due to rapid spread
  • The speed of the fire explains why houses may burn while nearby trees remain standing

Sal concludes that using seawater, while requiring proper planning and coordination, is a viable option when freshwater is unavailable. He emphasizes that any potential equipment maintenance issues are far preferable to letting fires burn unchecked.

 

 

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