Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered an independent investigation into how the loss of water left dry fire hydrants and hindered firefighting efforts in Los Angeles.

Water experts dismissed Trump’s claims that California water policy is to blame for dry hydrants. But Los Angeles is also unprepared for the age of urban wildfires.

Other fires, like the 2023 Maui fires and the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Northern California, have caused hydrants to go dry in the past, and it seems L.A. will need to go back to the drawing board if these kinds of wildfire-scale urban blazes become the new normal.

Firefighters in Pacific Palisades and Altadena have repeatedly been hampered by low water pressure and dry hydrants, revealing limitations in local water systems designed to supply neighborhoods.

Reports of fire hydrants running dry as crews battled the Palisades Fire has raised questions among residents and fire officials in San Diego County whether it is something that could happen here when the region gets next major wildfire — and what can be done about it.