Lessons from LA fires: Climate and water security challenges

Wildfires have become an increasingly frequent and devastating phenomenon in many regions around the world. Los Angeles continues to battle devastating wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have collectively burned approximately 23,000 acres—an area significantly larger than Manhattan. The death toll has tragically risen to at least 16, with nearly 153,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes under mandatory orders, while an additional 166,000 remain on high alert. These wildfires have destroyed approximately 12,000 structures, including homes, schools, and cultural landmarks such as the historic Will Rogers Ranch House. Preliminary estimates suggest insured losses could surpass $20bn, potentially making these fires the costliest in US history, while overall economic losses are projected to reach $150bn, factoring in infrastructure damage and business disruptions.

The wildfires in Los Angeles also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report by the California Air Resources Board, the 2020 wildfire season alone released an estimated 112m metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, equivalent to the annual emissions of 25m cars. These emissions exacerbate global warming, creating a feedback loop where rising temperatures lead to drier conditions, which in turn fuel more fires. Furthermore, wildfires destroy vegetation that would otherwise act as a carbon sink, reducing the planet’s capacity to offset emissions. The loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and the release of other pollutants like methane and nitrous oxide further compound the climate crisis.

Wildfires also have a profound impact on water resources. The intense heat and destruction of vegetation reduce the land’s ability to absorb water, increasing runoff and the risk of flash floods. This phenomenon was observed after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, where post-fire rains caused significant mudslides in affected areas. Additionally, wildfires contaminate water supplies. Burned vegetation releases harmful chemicals into rivers and reservoirs, while ash and debris clog water treatment systems. A study by the US Geological Survey found that sedimentation rates in reservoirs can increase by up to 30 percent following major fires, reducing water storage capacity and increasing treatment costs.

In 2019/20, the wildfire season in Australia was such a historically unprecedented event, burning large areas of catchments that provide drinking water to the 5.5m residents of the Sydney metro area and threatening numerous aquatic species with extinction. Likewise, in the Western United States, the area burned in the 2020 wildfire season was 1.7m hectares, the largest annual area burned recorded in the historical records in the United States. These fires caused extensive destruction as well, including the extinction of water distribution systems valued at tens of millions of dollars, and significant warnings of debris flows.

As the climate heats up and dries out and human activities continue to expand, threats to water security grow more intense. If hydroclimatic extremes (with increasing overlaps of the population exposed to extreme hydroclimatic events like wildfires and droughts) coincide with expanding human activities, water crises become increasingly frequent and intense. Warming due to climate change is linked to increased fire risk, even in areas that have long been unaccustomed to wildfires. Warmer weather dries out vegetation, making it easier to ignite, burn hotter and allow fire to spread farther and faster. WWR (wildfire-watershed risks) are an overall global problem that needs proactive action.

To address WWR, we need better governance of forests and water—and it starts with knowing where they are at risk. Countries prone to wildfires should invest in advanced technologies like satellite monitoring and AI-based early warning systems. California's use of drones and thermal imaging to detect hotspots has been instrumental in early fire containment. Controlled burns and forest thinning can reduce fuel loads, minimizing the risk and intensity of wildfires. Australia’s “fire-stick farming”—a traditional Indigenous practice—offers a valuable model for managing vegetation sustainably. Governments must ensure that water infrastructure is resilient to fire-related contamination. Developing rapid-response systems to clean and restore water supplies is critical for maintaining water security in affected areas. Urban areas near fire-prone regions should implement fire-resistant building codes and create buffer zones of non-flammable vegetation. These measures can significantly reduce damage and ensure safer communities.

The experiences of Los Angeles underline the urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and water security. Global cooperation is essential to share knowledge, technology, and resources for wildfire prevention and management. Countries must also prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the broader impacts of climate change. As wildfires become a global concern, the lessons from LA Fires serve as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures. By learning from California’s successes and shortcomings, nations can build more resilient ecosystems and communities to withstand the growing threats of a changing climate.

The author is special advisor for South Asia at Parley Policy Initiative, Republic of Korea. He is a regular commentator on the issues of Water Security and Climate change issues in South Asia. Views expressed are personal