The January 2025 wildfires devastated Los Angeles,  claiming lives, homes, jobs and whole communities. As the fires raged, discussions erupted across social and mainstream media, questioning whether water supply systems could have been more prepared.

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, in partnership with the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute and Faith Kairns of Arizona State University’s Global Futures Lab, compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide clear, accurate answers to the most common questions from the public, media, and policymakers about fire hydrants, firefighting, water infrastructure and more.

The goal is to offer a better understanding of how water systems work, address common concerns, and provide useful information that can help communities stay informed and prepared.

The information is available in both English and Spanish.