Why the Hydrants Failed

California's wildfires are worsening. Is this a result of Climate Change or forest and water mismanagement? Or a combination of both? The 2025 Southern California Wildfire claimed 29 lives, displaced over 200,000 people, and destroyed more than 18,000 homes and buildings. The main culprit: A failing water infrastructure.

While firefighters needed 12 million gallons to fight the blaze, the system could deliver only 3 million. As the fire spread, 20% of hydrants ran dry.

In Why the Hydrants Failed, Robert Simpson explores the root causes of California's water crisis-from shrinking reservoirs to regulatory failures-and how outdated policies have led to today's shortages. He also addresses the housing crisis triggered by wildfire destruction and introduces a bold solution: President Trump's proposed Freedom Cities-ten new urban hubs on federal land to support housing and economic growth.

This book delivers a clear, data-driven look at California's wildfire response failures and offers strategies for a more resilient future.