Actor Mel Gibson was shocked after learning from a Los Angeles firefighter that crews battling the city’s devastating wildfires ran out of water early in their efforts. Gibson joined NewsNation for a ride-along with first responders to witness the destruction firsthand.

The unnamed firefighter admitted they were unaware that the area’s water reservoirs had been depleted. Gibson asked directly if the team knew the reservoir was empty, to which the firefighter responded that while they initially had water, it ran out “fairly quickly.” The firefighter added, “It’s not uncommon for us to lose water in our firefight. It’s just that early in the game was surprising.” Gibson replied, “Because yeah, it wasn’t there. And no one told you? That’s crazy.”

Just rode with Mel Gibson through the LA fire damage.
Firefighters told us there was no warning the reservoir was running low and they were stunned when the water stopped.
“It was totally crazy.”
Also how they saved fellow firefighters from a "fire tunnel." pic.twitter.com/77OqyxzEiK

— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) January 15, 2025

Gibson later toured the remains of his Malibu home, which was mostly destroyed in the fires. He said he was choosing to look forward rather than dwell on the loss. Fortunately, his Academy Awards for Braveheart were stored elsewhere and were not damaged.

Reports have since confirmed that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a critical part of Los Angeles’ water system, was shut down for repairs during the fires. The closure left the region without 117 million gallons of water when it was needed most.

Mel Gibson was left stunned after a firefighter shockingly claimed there was NO water in the fire hydrants, as the group drove through the fire-devastated areas of Los Angeles. DEMOCRATS CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES
https://t.co/YLmLuiDxPR

— PaleRider (@PaleRider450043) January 16, 2025

Previously, Gibson voiced concerns on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, questioning whether the fires were intentionally set to drive residents from valuable properties. “It just seemed a little convenient that there was no water and that the wind conditions were right,” he said.

The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 25 people and forced over 180,000 residents to evacuate.