VIDEO: $5,000 Reward Offered for Capture of Serial Arsonist on Kauai

Screen capture from KHON2

"We are very lucky that no injuries have occurred but that can all change in a split second."

This is what's at stake when a serial arsonist is on the loose. Starting intentional brush fires is a serious crime and can affect the lives and safety of many individuals, let alone impact our precious resources. 

CrimeStoppers is offering $5,000 for anyone who is able to catch and identify the person/persons responsible for these fires in Kauai (more than 100 intentionally set on the island since last December!)

From the Source:

"When calling CrimeStoppers, tipsters are required to remain anonymous and phone numbers are untraceable. Callers are given a tracking tip number, to help identify them and the related incident. They are then advised to call back to check the status of the tip that was given. If the information received from the caller was valid and an arrest was made, the caller may then be eligible to receive a reward."

"The way these fires have been expending our resources, is that it's taking away from the rest of the communities." - Captain Daryl Date, Kauai Fire Department

Indigenous Fire Methods Could Slash Global Emissions

"NSW Rural Fire Service crews struggle to contain a bushfire around the Wentworth Falls escarpment. Photo: Wolter Peeters"

We can learn a lot from the past and especially from those who have (and continue to) pass on the knowledge for centuries. 

From the Source:

"The preliminary findings of a $3 million United Nations University research project, largely funded by the federal government, said controlled wildfire methods historically used by Indigenous Australians, and robust methods to measure their benefit, could be used by nations around the world, cutting global emissions from wildfires by as much as a half.

Indigenous people have historically managed the savannah regions of tropical northern Australia through low-intensity 'patchwork burning' early in the dry season, which can help prevent uncontrolled fires later in the season, and so cut emissions.

Wildfires are a significant source of greenhouse gas and their prevalence is expected to increase because of climate change. Each year wildfires burn up to 4.5 million square kilometres globally – an area more than half the size of Australia."

VIDEO: Okanogan Complex: Washington Wildfire Is Now Largest in State History

Credit: Ruth Fremson/Redux Pictures

Firefighters are traveling from around the world to fight the now largest wildfire in Washington's history (an area larger than New York City). They're using various tactics including prescribed fire and fuelbreak creation to fight the fire that has claimed the lives of three firefighters and injured four. 

One resident explained as she watched flames come closer to her home: "I don't want any firemen dying to save this house. It's not worth anybody's life."

Mahalo to all those firefighters who are putting their lives on the line and working together as a multi-agency, multi-nation effort.

From the Source:

"About 1,250 people are battling the wildfire, Pachota said, adding that help was continuing to "trickle in." About 70 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have arrived in Boise, Idaho, and are scheduled to receive protective gear before heading out to fight fires burning all over the West."

"We do continue to make progress, but with these fires, the only way to deal with them is like eating an elephant — one bite at a time," Pechota said.

Scientists Seek New Ways to Fight Wildfires

Screen capture from Al Jazeera video.

The wildfires in the Northwest that have claimed the lives of three firefighters brings up the importance of this new research being developed by former firefighters, research that will actually have useful applications in the field. The current standard, according to these researchers, of determining safety zones during a wildfire, is not enough. They are going into the heart of wildfires to develop a more precise formula for determining safety zones that will hopefully save firefighter lives.

When asked what the motivation for this research was:
"…their motivation is tragedies like yesterday. They think casualties from fires are preventable. They don't think firefighters should be putting themselves in these dangerous areas."

Lake Tahoe Program Pays Cash for Grass to Conserve Precious Water

"The South Tahoe Public Utility District is working to help homeowners convert their thirsty lawns to drought-friendly landscaping with the district’s turf buy-back program." Credit - EarthJustice

This innovative, incentive-based approach to conserve water has many benefits, one of which is to protect homes from wildfires by incentivizing Firewise landscaping. Firewise gardening in Hawaii has many of the same benefits including conservation of water, which is especially critical for the parched leeward sides of the islands.

From the Source:

"Another resident-favorite conservation initiative is the district’s turf buy-back program. The idea is simple: grass requires lots of water and fertilizer to keep it green, and grass that dries out and turns California “golden” is ripe for fire. Why not try drought-friendly plants instead? Rangel visits customers’ homes to photograph and measure the lawn they want to convert and to help them apply for the rebate. She says demand for turf rebates this year is higher than it’s ever been."

"Jennifer Cressy of the Tahoe Resource Conservation District has advised many local families thinking of making the switch from grass to something greener. She says about half of homes in South Lake Tahoe are second homes, and out-of-town owners are especially excited about “zero-scaping,”—creating a landscape you never need to water. But a truly Tahoe-friendly yard must also include 5 to 30 feet of “defensible space” around the outside of the house that are free of debris so firefighters have a chance to save the building from a blaze."

HWMO VIDEO: Kawaihae Fire and Flood 2015 - Mauka to Makai Impacts

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Post-fire debris smothers coastline near Mauumae Beach.

Starting on August 8th, Kawaihae experienced a brushfire that threatened local communities, businesses, and cultural sites. Over a week later, the impacts of the wildfire have reached another precious resource: our coastline. 

We just produced a short video demonstrating the mauka-to-makai effects of wildfire with recent footage and photographs documenting the post-fire floods that have and are continuing to have negative impacts on our nearshore resources including coral reefs.

At the end of the video is an important message about how you can join us in taking action to prevent troubling events like these.

Enjoy and make sure to spread this video and the messages in it to everyone you know!

The recent Kawaihae Fire burned over 4,500 acres of wildland in the Northwest region of Hawaii Island. The wildfire directly impacted local communities, businesses, and cultural sites. One week later, the wildfire impacted coastal resources through unprecedented levels of post-fire flooding.

VIDEO: Flash Flooding Near Kawaihae Filmed

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Screen capture from Big Island Video News.

On Monday, August 17th, a storm brought heavy rainfall to the State, including the Northwest side of Hawaii Island. Inches of rain fell each hour, which as you can imagine created frightening flash flood scenarios. Highways were shut down, vehicles were stranded, and dozens of residents evacuated the Kawaihae area. An unprecedented amount of murky stormwater ran through the streams and streets of Kawaihae and as of this morning, continues to find routes to the ocean. 

These shocking videos show just how dramatic the post-fire erosion event was last night. 

Brush Fire Burns 350 Acres Above Kaanapali

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Photo Credit: Paul Karanik (Aug. 14th, 3:57 p.m.)

One of the major obstacles for firefighters to overcome in Hawaii is gaining access to wildfires. The recent Kaanapali fire demonstrated just that. Even so, firefighters were able to control the fire and are continuing to monitor any flare-ups.

From the Source:

"Last night fire came as close as a quarter-mile from homes in the Kāʻanapali Estates area, but at last check structures are not in immediate danger.

Lahaina fire crews arrived on scene at 3:15 p.m. and reported having trouble finding access routes to the fire, which was estimated to be around 5 acres at the time.  Fire officials say the burn area included gulches and difficult terrain."

"It has not yet been called extinguished; there are still smoldering areas far enough within the 'black' that it is of low concern.

It’s typical to let those areas cool and snuff themselves out. Also, by giving it time, problem areas will show themselves by emitting puffs of smoke.

Crews are making periodic fire patrols throughout the day and will call it extinguished after enough time has passed without seeing any 'smokies' in the fire area."

Puukohola Heiau Cancels Cultural Festival

"90 percent of the vegetation on the park’s 80 acres. Pu‘ukoholā Heiau is in the background. (NPS photo)"

Due to the recent brushfire in Kawaihae and the need to continue to assess damages to the cultural sites, Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site will remain closed and will cancel the Hookuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival, scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16.

From the Source:

"The 43rd annual Ho‘oku‘ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival will not be rescheduled this year. Instead, the National Park Service said in a media release:

… the public is encouraged to save the date for next year’s festival, scheduled for Aug. 13 & 14, 2016. Next year also marks the 225th anniversary of the completion of the heiau in 1791, and the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service.

'We regret the inconvenience of having to close temporarily and for having to cancel the festival that so many enjoy,' said Superintendent Kawaiaea. 'As always, our priority is the safety of park staff, our visitors, and the practitioners,' he said."

Kawaihae Fire Continues Up Kohala Mountains

A view of the burned land around the main heiau at Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site. The National Park Service said the building suffered no apparent damage. National Park Service photo

The large Kawaihae Fire that burned from makai to mauka with swirling winds continues to burn upslope. Stay tuned to updates from Civil Defense - flare-ups  are always a possibility so it's important to stay vigilant!

Thankfully, our communities were spared from major damage and although the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site lost much of its vegetation, including native plants, we're happy to hear that the actual heiau structures were left unscathed.

From the Source:

"'Puukohola Heiau, the massive stone temple where King Kamehameha the Great launched his successful quest to unite the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, did not sustain any damage in the fire, nor did the older Mailekini Heiau below it. The homestead site of British sailor John Young, who served as King Kamehameha’s adviser, also appears unscathed,' the NPS wrote in a press release.

The fire burned 90 percent of the native and non-native vegetation of the 80-acre park.

The brush fire came within 'a few feet of the visitor’s center and park headquarters,' the NPS wrote, but firefighters halted it. Both lack phone and Internet service, but the visitor center still has water and electricity."

Kawaihae Brush Fire Scours Area, Consumes More Than 4,650 Acres

"The brush fire burns Saturday night near Kawaihae. Maisie Grossart/Special to West Hawaii Today"

Mahalo to our firefighter agencies who have been working tirelessly in a collaborative effort to help protect communities and other resources from the biggest wildfire on Hawaii Island this year. Chief Moller of PTA explained: "a fire on an island is like a submarine — everyone has to work together to save it."

Also mahalo to all those who cooperated with the fire departments and left gifts for firefighters. "It's important for the firefighters to know they are so well supported by the community," Chief Rosario said.

From the Source:

"The fire ran within a foot of the road into the village and came closer to the bank of mailboxes at the end of the street.

However, the line held and the town suffered no damage, beyond scorched fields and a burned out car in an exterior lot."

"Rosario said the public cooperation made for a much safer and more effective effort.

'I know it’s difficult to have someone come to your door and ask you to leave,' he said, but it’s important for response.

There were also many gifts provided to the firefighters. Food and drinks were brought in throughout the day and stacked on a picnic table.

It’s important for the firefighters to know they are so well supported by the community, Rosario said."

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (From Distant Flames)

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Photo: Matthew Keys/Flickr Creative Commons

A by-product of wildfires that can impact people from miles away (and sometimes continents away!), smoke can create severe public health impacts. This fun and informative personal account of smoke impacts also has some good tips at the end of the article.

From the Source:

"Smoke plumes can carry dangerous gases and toxins hundreds or thousands of miles, exposing hundreds of millions of Americans each fire season to harmful particulates. Even as the United States continues to make strides to reduce air pollution—here’s looking at you, Clean Air Act and Clean Power Plan—the risks from smoke plumes are only likely to worsen as climate change continues to spur bigger, badder fires."

"Short-term exposure to plumes has been linked to everything from asthma attacks to stroke to anxiety. People with preexisting respiratory and cardiovascular problems are particularly vulnerable, as are the elderly and the very young. One study found that babies whose moms had been exposed to wildfire smoke during pregnancy had lower birth weights. And even perfectly healthy folks (joggers, like yours truly) may suffer sore throats or itchy eyes when a haze descends."

"In the meantime, anyone looking to breathe a little easier during wildfire season can take precautions. The CDC offers some excellent tips, including:

• Check air quality reports.
• Consult local visibility reports.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible.
• Don’t be a dolt and go out for a run when a thick plume of wildfire smoke descends on your backyard.

Er, that last note might not be a CDC-approved message but rather one I wrote to myself."

California "Rocky Fire" Threatens Thousands of Homes (VIDEO)

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CalFire firefighters walk along Highway 20 as the Rocky Fire burns near Clearlake, Calif. The fire has charred more than 27,000 acres and is currently only 5% contained.  Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images

Unprecedented wildfire conditions are making the "Rocky Fire" blaze a difficult one to suppress. 

Many homeowners have been evacuated but others are deciding to stay…here's an important message from a homeowner in Clearlake with "Ready, Set, Go!" language entwined:

"For people who think they are going to stay and defend their property to the end, well, I got news for them: you won't be able to breathe by the time the fire reaches you so there's no point in staying." - Rick Sanders, homeowner.

From the Source:

A massive, fast-moving wildfire has destroyed at least 24 homes and threatens another 6,300 in a drought-stricken area about 100 miles north of San Francisco.

"The grass, the brush, the trees, they are tinder-dry," said CalFire spokesman Daniel Berlant. More than 12,000 people had been evacuated from the area around Clearlake, Calif., located about 100 miles north of San Francisco and 100 miles northwest of Sacramento.

Homeowners are doing what they can to prepare but fear they are "one gust of wind away from devastation."

"We are seeing burning conditions that are almost unprecedented." - Paul Lowenthal, Santa Rosa firefighter.

Firefighters Protect Wahiawa Homes as 2nd Fire Burns Native Forest

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Uluhe fern. Credit - Star Advertiser

Wildfires in Wahiawa are demonstrating what's at stake in Hawaii: protecting communities AND native forests. 

"The resident said 'chunks of ash' also blew through the air, settling on her yard and pressing through her screen windows."

Just goes to show how important Hardening Your Home and Lightening Your Landscape is!

From the Source:

"Firefighters worked through the night to beat back flames from a wildfire in Wahiawa that initially threatened homes Sunday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, another fire, burning in steep and rugged terrain in the Ewa Forest Reserve above Wahiawa, burned through native trees and ferns grew to 75 acres Sunday."

"The fire spread rapidly Sunday 'because of two key challenges,' Ward said. 'Strong winds are helping to spread the fire, and, second, steep terrain.'

She said the land features '60 percent native forest, including koa and ohia trees and, in the understory (below the forest canopy), uluhe ferns.'"

Brush Fire Burns 15 Acres in Lihue

It's been quite a busy year for Kauai firefighters, especially in Lihue. Mahalo to the Kauai County firefighters who have been working tirelessly this year to protect communities!

From the Source:

"Kauai firefighters continued to mop up hot spots Sunday morning from a brush fire near Nawiliwili Road in Lihue that burned nearly 15 acres."

Credit - Kauai County

Brush Fire Closes Kuhio Highway

"Flames from a brush fire that broke out at around 4:20 a.m. near Aloha Beach Resort in Wailua came dangerously close to Kuhio Highway, causing officials to shut down the highway in both directions for over an hour." Credit - Kauai County

From the Source:

"Firefighters continued to extinguish hot spots Friday afternoon at a Wailua brush fire that broke out around 4:20 a.m. off Kuhio Highway near Aloha Beach Resort.

Flames came within feet of the surrounding roadways, forcing officials to close Kuhio Highway and Leho Drive in both directions for roughly two hours.

The Kauai Police Department is urging anyone with information on the cause of the fires to contact police by calling Detective Christian Jenkins at 241-1680 or Police Dispatch at 241-1711.

'This morning’s fire came dangerously close to the highway and road closures could not be avoided as public safety is always our highest priority,' stated Fire Chief Robert Westerman. 'We appreciate the help of police and state DOT officials who worked diligently to open alternate means of travel until the highway could be reopened. Unfortunately, severe traffic delays could not be avoided and we appreciate the public’s patience and understanding.'"

Summer in Waikoloa Increases Potential for Wildfires - Waikoloa Breeze Sep. 2015

This month's Waikoloa Breeze featured a number of wildfire-related articles, including an HWMO blurb about summers in Waikoloa and the importance of preparing early for wildfires. 

Also included:

• Parker Ranch Land Brush Fire
• Wiliwili Festival (events that include an HWMO workshop on how to use native plants to protect your home)
• Message from the General Manager: project approval for adding mulch to vacant lot fuelbreaks

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