FACT CHECK: No, Firefighters in LA Are Not Fighting Wildfires Using “Handbags”

A post on X claims that emergency personnel fighting wildfires in Los Angeles are resorting to using “handbags” to fight the fires.

The visual of the fire department using handbags to carry water is unreal. This is the best we can do? California burning like the 7th layer of hell and we’re slinging 10 ounce purse buckets?
pic.twitter.com/2TXuJYa2Id

— Megs (@Rad_Megss) January 9, 2025

Verdict: False

They are using canvas bags, which is common practice in firefighting.

Fact Check:

Wildfires have been ravaging the Los Angeles area for days now, as California has faced windy weather conditions that make mitigation difficult. As of Jan. 10, the major fires in Eaton and the Palisades are said to be at only 15% or less.

Blame is starting to be placed on the origins of these fires, as well as the quality of the leadership in the area. Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass are facing major heat, with both facing threats of recalls over their performance. Both leaders seemingly refuse to take blame, even as arrests are made of suspected arsonists in the area.

Criticism of the metro area’s preparedness for such predictable situations goes on as fire hydrants and reservoirs were empty. A post on X shows a firefighter running towards a small smoke plume armed with a relatively small sack, one that the commenter refers to a “handbag,” implying that they are resorting to clothing accessories to fight fires.

This is false, however. The brown bag is actually a canvas bag, and these are a commonly used option in fire departments around the country. They are smaller, fireproof bags used by professionals to fight smaller blazes, such as trash fires. Canvas bags are easier and quicker to fill, occasionally making their use a better use of time then hooking up hoses and other methods.