USA: If it's a windy day when a big quake hits, parts of LA could burn to the ocean
By Jacob Margolis
In movies, when a big earthquake hits, the main danger always seems to be crumbling buildings. But in real life, the fires that follow earthquakes can be even more destructive.
When a quake shakes the ground, gas lines can be severed, power lines can collapse and electrical arcs can start fires as everything smashes together.
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If the shaking is severe enough to sever gas lines, it can also break open water pipes.
In Los Angeles, the water system is vast, complex and old. About 65 to 70 percent of the distribution pipes are made of cast iron, and are vulnerable to earthquakes, according to Craig Davis, former water systems chief resilience officer for [the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power].
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When a water main breaks pipes can lose pressure, meaning when firefighters connect to hydrants nothing will come out.
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"In the neighborhoods where there's a large number of swimming pools, they're in much better shape for reducing the spread of fires," said [Charles] Scawthorn [co-president of SPA Risk].
A "Holocaust" in South and Central Los Angeles
It's a different story in South and Central L.A., which have the oldest infrastructure in the city and few alternative sources of water to draw from.
Bottom line: There are few pools in South and Central Los Angeles.
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