The recent Palisades Fire is profoundly impacting the people of Los Angeles, displacing families, destroying property, and creating an enduring sense of loss and vulnerability. As the community comes together to heal, it is also a time to reflect on and evaluate how this disaster underscores the critical importance of robust infrastructure in the face of mounting environmental and urban challenges.
While devastating emotionally and economically and one of the most significant disasters and crises Los Angeles has endured, the fires also present an opportunity for policymakers, planners, and residents to reevaluate and modernize water and electricity systems to meet current and future demands, especially those arising from planned development.
Challenges Highlighted by the Fire
- Water Infrastructure Under Strain
The fire revealed vulnerabilities in the existing water delivery systems, particularly regarding firefighting capabilities. High demand during emergencies often stretches water pressure and availability, exposing gaps in capacity. With mandated planned housing developments expected to increase population density significantly, these demands will only intensify. - Electrical Grid Reliability
Fires frequently cause power outages or reveal vulnerabilities in grid resilience. The aging infrastructure, combined with the increased risks of wildfires ignited by utility equipment, makes it essential to explore upgrades that reduce these hazards while meeting future energy demands.
Future Housing and Infrastructure Demands
State and local housing mandates require the addition of thousands of new homes to address and meet the housing shortage. These developments will increase the demand for water and electricity, exacerbating the current strain on resources. Without proactive investment in infrastructure, communities will most likely experience inadequate supply, reliability issues, and heightened risks during emergencies. Here are some suggestions to consider and possibly mandate in response to this tragic disaster!
Opportunities for Upgrades
- Smart Water Systems
Modernizing water infrastructure with innovative technology can improve pressure management, detect leaks, and ensure better allocation during crises. Expanding storage capacity through reservoirs or underground systems will bolster firefighting capabilities and future residential needs. - Resilient Electrical Systems
Transitioning to underground electrical lines in high-risk fire zones can mitigate the risk of fire ignition. Investing in renewable energy sources, microgrids, and battery storage systems can decentralize power generation, enhance reliability, and help achieve sustainability goals. - Integrated Emergency Planning
Coordinated planning between water and electricity providers is crucial to ensuring resources are available during emergencies. Planners can better align infrastructure improvements with community needs by modeling future scenarios with increased population and climate risks. - Green Building Mandates
Requiring new housing developments to include water-efficient systems and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can reduce strain on existing infrastructure while promoting sustainability.
Community Engagement and Funding
Community support and innovative funding mechanisms will be key to achieving these upgrades. Public-private partnerships, state and federal grants, and bonds can help finance infrastructure projects. Transparent communication about the necessity of these investments and their long-term benefits can also garner public support.
New Path Forward
The Palisades Fire is a glaring lesson and an urgent reminder that the need for forward-thinking infrastructure planning cannot be ignored. By leveraging this moment to address vulnerabilities and anticipate future demands, policymakers can create a more resilient, sustainable, and safe community for generations to come. As situations develop, we will have more to say regarding this and other alternatives in the following articles.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Michael Jolly, AIRCRE; Marie Standing, Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
