Why California crews aren’t relying on the ocean to douse wildfires

Los Angeles: So, you might be wondering why fire crews in Southern California aren’t using the Pacific Ocean to help fight those wildfires. It’s a bit surprising, right? But there are some solid reasons behind it.

First off, they’re dealing with low water supplies. Sure, there have been times when helicopters scoop up ocean water to dump on the flames, but that’s not the go-to method. It turns out, saltwater can really mess with firefighting gear. The salt can corrode metal parts, which is a big no-no for the equipment they rely on.

Now, if you look at British Columbia, they’ve got plenty of freshwater sources to tap into. They prefer that over saltwater for a reason. Freshwater is just more effective at putting out fires. Saltwater doesn’t cool things down as well, which is crucial when you’re trying to stop a blaze.

Plus, think about logistics. Many wildfires happen far from the coast, making it a hassle to transport ocean water. It’s just not practical when every second counts. And let’s not forget about safety—saltwater conducts electricity, which can be dangerous if there are live power lines around.

There’s also the environmental angle. Using ocean water can impact local ecosystems. Scientists have been studying how saltwater affects coastal forests, and the results aren’t pretty. It can harm wildlife and change the landscape in ways we don’t want to see.

So, while it might seem like a good idea to use the ocean, California crews have their reasons for sticking to freshwater. It’s all about keeping their equipment safe, being effective in their firefighting efforts, and protecting the environment.