Why Fire Trucks in LA Can’t Use Seawater to Battle Wildfires
As wildfires rage across Los Angeles, fire trucks, fire engines, and wildland firefighting trucks work tirelessly to contain the flames. With the vast Pacific Ocean nearby, many wonder why seawater isn’t used. The answer lies in three key challenges: corrosion, transporting water, and environmental impact.
Corrosion Risk Fire truck equipment—including fire truck hoses, pumps, and tanks—is primarily made from iron and steel, which corrode when exposed to saltwater. While airport fire trucks and specialized aircraft like the Bombardier CL-415 are designed for seawater use, retrofitting all fire trucks, water tank fire trucks, and brush trucks would be prohibitively expensive.
Transporting water Barriers Unlike hydrants and freshwater reservoirs, the ocean isn’t an accessible water source for land-based firefighting. Fire engines and water tank fire trucks can’t draft seawater due to coastline infrastructure limitations. Transporting ocean water inland would require additional pumping, storage, and transfer steps—an impractical solution in fast-moving wildfires.
Environmental Concerns Seawater can sterilize soil, preventing vegetation regrowth. Additionally, salt runoff can contaminate freshwater sources, harming ecosystems. These long-term impacts make seawater a last resort rather than a primary firefighting solution.
While some aircraft can utilize seawater in emergencies, most fire trucks rely on freshwater due to corrosion risks, transporting water challenges, and environmental concerns. In Los Angeles, hydrants and reservoirs remain the primary water sources for fighting wildfires.
