Fire Scorches Vacant Land Near Hualalai Elderly Housing

Credit - West Hawaii Today

Wildfire solutions are not always easy to find. One of the more complex issues are campfire starts from homeless, a common occurrence in Kailua-Kona. What's important is that to find solutions, we need to ensure that these complex issues are addressed with all stakeholders at the table. Collaboration is the only way to get to the heart of wicked problems like these.

Mahalo to firefighters for keeping Kona residents safe!

From the Source:

"Capt. Gifford Matsuoka said a southwest wind helped to keep the fire from spreading into more vacant land to the south and blew the brunt of the smoke away from the housing complex.

That wasn’t the case in 2012, when smoke from a similar fire forced the evacuation of the complex. Smaller fires have occurred sporadically in the area since then.

'Round three. This is the third time since I’ve been here,' said resident Larry Johnson, watching the scene unfold to the west.

Residents were quick to blame the fire on the homeless camping on the vacant land. Firefighters said the cause hasn’t been determined but listed homeless campfires as a possible cause."

Kahoolawe Fire Sparked by Catalytic Converter

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Credit: Whitney Kruehl

More often than you may think, catalytic convertors are responsible for a number of wildfires throughout the State of Hawaii. Even in sparsely populated Kahoolawe, wildfires can occur - all it takes is one spark. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared. Be especially careful on days when it's windy!

From the Source:

"Personnel from the Wailea fire station confirmed a large smoke column of smoke coming from the island and the department’s helicopter was dispatched to investigate.

When Air 1 arrived, the pilot reported about 10 acres of brush and kiawe on fire. Air 2 was quickly dispatched to assist before the fire spread beyond control.

When both helicopters left the island at 6:20 p.m., the fire was 100% contained and had burned an additional five acres."

Police Ask for Public's Help After Latest Round of Suspicious Brush Fires

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Credit: Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today

From the Source:

"Three of the four fires on Sunday are being investigated as arson and are considered part of the string of suspicious brush fires that have burned numerous acres on the leeward side of the island."

"The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspect or suspects.

Police ask people who frequent Hawaii Belt Road, especially in the areas of Kaiminani Drive in the vicinity of Ane Keohokalole Highway, the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in the vicinity of the 49-mile marker, and Route 190 between the 6-mile marker and the 14-mile marker, to be aware of the recent fires and to report any suspicious activity in the area immediately to police at 935-3311."

Wildland Fire Meeting on Kauai

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Mauna Kea Fire Field Tour on second day of 2014 CNH Conference. Credit: HWMO

HWMO will be one of the speakers at this year's California, Nevada, and Hawaii WIldland Fire Conference in Kauai. Stay tuned to our HWMO Blog for a recap on the event!

From the Source:

"The event is geared for firefighting agencies at all levels of government to promote professional wildland fire management practices that protect lives and property, and enhance natural resource values.

Among the topics of discussion will be presentations by representatives of: the National Weather Service on the El Nino season and effects on fire conditions in Hawaii, Pacific Fire Exchange on challenges to rapid wildfire containment in Hawaii, and the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization."

South Kohala Brush Fires Close Highway 190

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"Parker Ranch Firefighters douse hotspots on a brush fire makai of Hwy 190 on Sunday afternoon. (Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today)"

A string of arson fires caused another headache for firefighters and motorists on Sunday, April 10th. Please report any suspicious activity to the police. 

From the Source:

"Firefighters were busy battling three brush fires on Sunday.

Highway 190, between Waikoloa Road and mile marker 6, was closed for about five hours as three separate fires. One of the fires, located near mile marker 8, was consumed about 10 acres on the makai side of the highway while the other two fires were kept small."

Drought Intensifies in Hawaii, Extreme Conditions in Kona

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Credit: United States Drought Monitor

El Niño is causing severe drought conditions in much of Hawaii Island and the rest of the state is now experiencing moderate drought. With dry conditions come the potential for wildfires. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure to remove all dead or dry grasses, shrubs, or trees around your home.

From the Source:

"'Farmers on the Kona slopes of the Big Island have indicated that conditions are the worst in recent memory,' the NWS stated, 'even including 2010 which was a significant drought year for the area. Kona coffee growers have indicated that the drought will adversely affect this year’s crop.'"

"There are troubling reports even in the normally wet Hilo and Puna districts. 'A rancher near Pahoa reported selling 20 percent of his herd due to poor pasture conditions,' the National Weather Service reported. 'Another rancher who works on the upper slopes of the South Hilo district reported the loss of 28 cows due to the lack of rain and the poor forage. In upper Hilo town, an aquaculture operation lost sturgeon because of low stream flow conditions.'"

Despite Recent Rain, Drought Conditions Expected to Last Long Into Summer

Credit: West Hawaii Today

You might be able to see it just outside your bedroom window: the landscape around you starting to look drier and drier. Forecasts are calling for severe droughts for most of Hawaiʻi throughout the year (and possibly beyond). There are a number of steps you can take to make sure you stay a few steps ahead of the many wildfires on the way, both on wet and dry sides. 

From the Source:

"These sudden downpours are part of the pattern, said Elizabeth Pickett, executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, based in Waimea. The moisture stays just long enough to encourage vegetation growth, then it disappears and takes its time coming back."

"A coordinated group of federal, state and county fire officials have declared a wildfire and drought lookout, said Pickett. Officials with the National Park Service, U.S. Army, and Hawaii County Fire Department and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife are on alert, she said.

'The forecast is really dismal as far as long dry periods and vegetation growth,' Pickett said.

The public will see the agencies roll out a wildfire awareness campaign in May in coordination with the national Wildfire Awareness Month, Pickett said.

Residents can do simple things to protect themselves from wildfire. They include landscaping with native plants -- most of which are naturally fire resistant -- and cutting down and removing brush and other fuel from near their homes.

'Many (introduced) plants that don't get enough water during a drought will drop their leaves and create a fire hazard,' Pickett said. 

Drought Conditions Fueling Brush Fire Potential

Screenshot from KHON2 video.

A statewide drought means more wildfires. Check out this KHON2 video on the current state of the drought, what this means for wildfire potential, and tips for making sure your family is safe from wildfire.

From the Source:

"So how can you prepare?

Fire officials say if you live in an area near lots of dry grass you should create a 30-foot safety zone around your home.

You should make sure to remove leaves or other combustibles that could help the fire spread.

Also, make sure your family has an evacuation plan in case you have to leave your home.

'Just a few weeks of dry season or very dry weather can bring water content down on the vegetation and could bring your home into harms way,' said Jenkins."

Bulky Trash Near Hydrants Obstructs Firefighters

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Screenshot from KITV4 video.

Disposing of green waste in Hawaii may not always be the most convenient chore for residents, but taking that extra step to dispose of it makes a huge difference for the community. Not only are you helping eliminate "eye-sores", but you are also contributing immensely to public safety. Less green waste means less of a wildfire risk and greater access for firefighters who rely on every second. Check out this KITV4 exclusive:

From the Source:

"You can't park your car in front of a hydrant, so why would you block the fire hydrant and then risk the firemen not being able to access it when there is a fire." - Jimmy Muneoka, Kahaluu Resident

"Residents need to become partners with each other and look out for people who are dumping on their own sidewalks." - Kymberly Pine, Honolulu City Council

Electrical Arc at Maui Electric Substation Sparks 7-Acre Wailea Fire

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Credit: Ellen Raimo/Special to Maui Now

Maui firefighters are off to a busy start this year, this time battling a 7-acre brushfire in Wailea on Tuesday, April 5th. All it take is one spark to cause a wildfire. Be prepared in advance by making sure your home and family have an evacuation plan!

From the Source:

"Maui fire officials say the seven acre fire started after an electrical arc on a Maui Electric Company transmission line dropped a shower of sparks, igniting the dry grass below it.

Wailea firefighters first responded to the same area located about 300 yards mauka of Kalai Waa Street about 90 minutes earlier, at 9:28 a.m. Firefighters extinguished a grass fire which burned a 40 foot circle below a high voltage transmission line. The Wailea area experienced a power outage at about the same time."

Diamond Head Brush Fire Burns 2 Acres

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Credit: Iris Takahashi / special to Hawaii News Now

The highly-trafficked Diamond Head, one of Hawaii's most notable landmarks, was ablaze on Tuesday, March 29th. One witness mentioned her "surprise" about it. However, this will be more and more of a common scene, regardless of what area you live in, because of the current drought. Drought means a higher wildfire risk! Stay vigilant of your surroundings and the changing conditions around you. 

From the Source:

"Fire crews fought nearly two hours to contain a brush fire at one of Hawaii's best known landmarks. Fueled by high winds, the blaze scorched about two acres on the exterior of the Diamond Head State Monument before it was contained.

'I just think it's shocking. I run this area everyday. Five to seven days a week and don't expect to see this, especially on Diamond Head. This is one of the most pronounced landmarks here,' said Saint Louis Heights resident Victoria Sherwood.'"