Logistics:
Disruption of Communications, Water, and Power
Wildfires can cause
several logistical problems for firefighters and human communities in general.
Communications
Wildfires disrupt
communications by damaging utility poles and fiber lines, or when cell towers
go down as a result of a power shutdown.8 People often
lose or experience reduced cell phone service as a result of fire.
Firefighters typically
rely on portable radios to maintain contact with one another. However, limited
availability of radio systems is also a reality that firefighters may contend
with when responding to large fires.9
Water
Water is an essential
resource that firefighters use to help put out wildfires. The water must be
gathered, stored, and transported to the site of the fire. Depending on the
size, location, topography, and severity of the fire, getting enough water to
the location can be a huge effort.
To fight wildfires in
California, Cal Fire uses both ground vehicles, such as fire engines, and air
vehicles, like helicopters, to transport water. In 2021, Cal Fire transported
6.7 million gallons of water from lakes, ponds, and swimming pools using
aircraft.10
Power
Wildfire season in the
United States takes place during the hottest and driest months of the year.
During heat waves, when wildfires are more likely to occur, utility companies
will shut down their power grids and cut off electricity to lower the risk of
wildfire incidents.11
Unfortunately, shutting down electricity can also complicate local government’s efforts to maintain communication, perform evacuations, and administer medical help, should a wildfire occur.
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