Abstract:

As urban wildfires grow larger and faster-moving, the public and policymakers are asking new questions about what water systems can realistically do to fight the spread of extreme fire events. This report synthesizes findings from the first workshop hosted by UCLA and the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Water Supply + Wildfire Research and Policy Coordination Network. The report examines water systems’ wildfire-fighting capacities, limitations, and resilience needs. Forty-two experts from water agencies, fire services, research institutions, and state and local organizations discussed and evaluated system risks, infrastructure constraints, communication and coordination challenges, and potential interventions. Participants emphasized broad agreement that water systems cannot reasonably be expected to stop large urban wildfires and that public expectations often exceed system design requirements, but also identified potentially replicable case studies. They also identified the need for clearer communication, stronger cross-agency coordination, and careful evaluation of trade-offs in infrastructure investments. The report highlights priority areas for future research, including cost-benefit assessments, statewide guidance options, and integrated planning approaches. These insights aim to support more informed preparedness, response, and recovery at the water–fire nexus.