FIRST FLOOD, NOW FIRE The waters grew more and more toxic and the fires became more frequent. Rumors spread of arson. Some, on the other hand, were the result of people without electricity using candles for light. It was a cruel irony that there was so much water, but no way to put it on the fires. Many structures burned down to the water line. Firefighters struggled with anemic floating pumps. Helicopters soon arrived like the cavalry, scooping water from the Mississippi River and dropping a torrent of water on the fire and firefighters alike, and giving many journalists their first shower in weeks.