Silver Fire Crews Benefit from DWA's Quick Action

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As the wind-driven Silver Fire continued to blacken thousands of acres on Friday, the Desert Water Agency (DWA) moved quickly to make 1.3 million gallons of water and other facilities available to help the more than 1,400 firefighters battling to protect the lives and property in the path of the fast-moving blaze.

DWA filled two nearby reservoirs, making water available for mixing with chemicals to create the fire retardant the firefighting aircraft dropped in front of the advancing flames. As a result of DWA's fast work, firefighters were able to pump water from hydrants in Snow Creek Village, the community of about 50 people where no homes were immediately threatened as of 2 p.m. Friday.

"DWA's trained professionals knew exactly what to do as the fire advanced, and they responded immediately to give the firefighters the water and other assistance they needed," said David K. Luker, DWA general manager. "Because of our effective management of the water supply, we had water available when it was most needed – even though this is our peak water demand season. We also had the expertise to ensure the water was readily available to the men and women on the front lines of the firefight."

The agency also is providing a portable restroom and drinking water for the firefighters. DWA is using two water trucks to provide potable water to communities that have depleted their water supplies. In addition, firefighters are using DWA's Snow Creek Hydropower Generating Station as a site for storing and moving equipment.

Previously, DWA contributed more than 170,000 gallons of water to battling the Mountain Fire, which started on July 15 and burned 27,531 acres in the Idyllwild area before it was contained on July 30.

Responding to a request from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, DWA made operational changes to be able to supply water from the tanks in Andreas Canyon.  It ran water at higher-than-normal levels in the Andreas Canyon Reservoir. Using a nearby hydrant, firefighting helicopters were then able to take water from the reservoir to battle the blaze.

About DWA

Desert Water Agency is a public, non-profit agency and a State Water Contractor, serving a 325- square-mile area, including parts of Cathedral City, outlying county areas, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs. An elected five-member board sets policy and represents the ratepayers.

For more information, please contact: DWA Public Information Officer Katie Ruark at (760) 323-4971 ext. 184, kruark@dwa.org.

SOURCE Desert Water Agency