The use of saltwater to fight Los Angeles fires has immediate advantages, but long-term risks.

In Southern California, where several wildfires are raging, including the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, authorities have taken an unusual step by using ocean water to fight the flames.

According to Frank Papalia, a former New York City Fire Department captain and a fire safety expert at Global Security Group, saltwater can harm equipment, infrastructure, and wildlife, yet firefighters may have to use it regardless.

If someone falls down and gets hurt, they may have broken their neck or something similar. However, if there is a fire or chemicals nearby, they will die. Therefore, you must move them, as there is no other option.

To combat fires, the most effective use of saltwater is to extract it from the ocean using a plane or helicopter and then release it from above, according to him.

In Southern California, large wildfires are burning out of control, as shown in videos. However, one plane was removed from service after someone flew a drone into its wing. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating, and a spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that interfering with firefighters is a federal crime that can result in up to a year in prison and a $75,000 fine.

Sometimes, despite the negative effects that saltwater can have on infrastructure, wildlife, and other aspects, it may be necessary to make the trade-off, according to Papalia.

"In this scenario, your city is on fire, so using saltwater is not as detrimental. However, the issue lies in the fact that they can only fly a certain number of aircraft at once, the distance they have to travel, and the amount of water those aircraft can carry. Yesterday, you couldn't fly due to the wind."

Several reasons why current fire hydrants do not use saltwater include the use of the same pipes supplying fresh tap water to homes and businesses, lack of corrosion resistance, and the high cost of installing a new saltwater hydrant system connected to ocean pumps.

Each open hydrant decreases the pressure needed for fire hydrants to function properly.

Firetrucks can utilize saltwater, but they need to be near it and need thorough cleaning after use.

"Papalia stated that JFK airport in New York City has them. He added, "We remove water from Jamaica Bay. However, if you plan to do that at the beach, how will you get the firetruck into the sand?""

Over 10 people have perished in Southern California fires, according to authorities, and Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna anticipates the death toll to increase. Over 130,000 individuals have been instructed to vacate their homes.

The state of California is deploying over 7,500 firefighters and support personnel to aid Los Angeles in combating ongoing fires.

Firefighting assets from neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and New Mexico, have been deployed.

Papalia stated that this fire would likely be among the worst in history.