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

What is Going on With Shipping?

This video has been trending in Canada, Papua New Guinea, and United States

In the video titled 'Can Seawater Fight Fires in SoCal | Why No Water | Fireboats | Damage From Seawater,' the host, Sal M Kagano, delves into the critical question of whether seawater can be effectively utilized to combat the fires ravaging Los Angeles. As an experienced former Merchant Mariner and long-time firefighter, his insights shed light on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding this topic.

Kagano first addresses the underlying issue of the water shortage faced during firefighting efforts in Los Angeles. He explains that when homes burn down, the failure to turn off water valves leads to a drain on the water supply. This, coupled with the design of water systems relying on gravity and water towers for pressure, results in challenges when facing high-demand situations like wildfires.

Drawing from historical incidents like the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, Kagano emphasizes the necessity of adequate water infrastructure to support firefighting operations. He highlights the implementation of backup systems, such as the dual pipeline system in San Francisco, as a model for ensuring water availability during emergencies.

Discussing the usability of seawater for firefighting, Kagano mentions the training exercises conducted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Department in 2021. Utilizing fireboats equipped with high-capacity pumping systems, these exercises demonstrated the capability to pump vast amounts of seawater onto fires both on ships and ashore.

Key to this capability is the use of manifolds on fireboats, allowing for the connection of large-diameter hoses that can pump thousands of gallons of water per minute. This efficient delivery of water enables firefighters to tackle fires with greater force and effectiveness, showcasing the valuable role of fireboats in firefighting efforts.

In conclusion, Kagano dispels common myths regarding the use of seawater for firefighting, emphasizing its potential as a valuable resource for combating fires in regions like Southern California. By harnessing technology such as fireboats equipped with advanced pumping systems, firefighting agencies can leverage the power of seawater to enhance their firefighting capabilities and mitigate the impact of wildfires.

Overall, Kagano’s insightful analysis serves as an educational exploration of the challenges and solutions associated with utilizing seawater for firefighting purposes, offering valuable lessons for firefighting professionals and the wider community alike

Share Video

¿Do you like Can Seawater Fight Fires in SoCal | Why No Water | Fireboats | Damage From Seawater? Share it with your people...

Playlist