California firefighters can use ocean salt water to put out fires, but it’s not as simple as just transporting water from the beach. The state has over 60 aircraft capable of scooping up water from the Pacific Ocean, known as “Super Scooper” CL-415 planes.
These planes are designed for hauling heavy loads of water and can drop fire retardants, but they’re not always effective due to strong winds. When winds exceed 30 mph, the water ends up as a mist instead of a steady rain.
Using ocean salt water also poses problems because it’s corrosive and can damage equipment. Metal firefighting tools like fire hydrants are susceptible to rust when exposed to oxygen and water. The long-term effect on trees and soil is also unknown, but experts warn that salt can linger in the soil for many years.
Despite these challenges, Los Angeles firefighters have enough water to continue fighting fires. According to Rep. Judy Chu, fire agencies have assured her that there’s sufficient water to combat the flames. However, she notes that the initial response was overwhelmed due to extreme winds and equipment issues.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-ocean-water-not-used-to-put-out-fires