In Calif., even firefighters conserve water
By Tamara Audi, Wall Street Journal
LOS ANGELES — Wildfires scorching California this summer have already cost one life, 24 homes and millions of dollars. They are also consuming another precious resource: water.
An entrenched drought, now in its fifth year, has dulled huge swaths of the Golden State, helping spur 21 blazes statewide. It is also creating new challenges to firefighters, who must try to conserve water while dousing flames.
State water and fire officials stressed there is no danger of running out of water, but said they are being more careful to account for the impact of the drought.