The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power plans to hire an independent engineer to assess whether an empty reservoir contributed to the failure of its water system during the Palisades Fire, when water supplies and some hydrants ran dry after hours of intense firefighting. The 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez reservoir, located adjacent to the Palisades Highlands neighborhood, was emptied in early 2024 after a tear was discovered in its rubber-like protective cover. The decision to drain it has been the subject of speculation and criticism by fire victims furious it was left dry.

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