Cause of Kahikinui Brush Fire Under Investigation

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Credit: KITV4

Wildfires are beginning to pickup with the drying out of flammable vegetation across the islands. Kahikinui has long been an area of concern for wildfires and continues to be under threat today. Mahalo to firefighters for controlling the brush fire, which shut down Piilani Highway, quickly.

From the Source:

"On Monday, Piilani Highway in the Kahikinui area on the southern slopes of Haleakala was closed due to a 15-acre brush fire, according to Maui fire officials.

Since 5:11 a.m., crews have been battling a brush fire between mile post 24.5 and 26 on Piilani Highway. At 9 a.m., Kula firefighters had the fire 80 percent contained. No structures were in immediate danger and no evacuations of homes were ordered.

Two helicopters provided water drops to the hard-to-reach areas of the fire perimeter while ground crews walked to the fire line dousing hot spots." 

Fire Endangers Kohala Again as Kawaihae Blaze Carries Memories of Destructive Summer Fire

"The wreckage from a semi and fire truck collision is seen on Kawaihae Road Friday afternoon. Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today"

The first sign of a busy winter occurred in Kawaihae this week. Although the area turned green and lush after the large summer Kawaihae fire that scarred 4,000+ acres, that also meant more plant growth and thus more fuel for the next fire. Within a few months, a chunk of the area that burned in August burned again. We call this the fire cycle. 

Unfortunately, two HFD firefighters were injured when responding to the wildfire. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their ohana and we hope for a speedy recovery. We must give thanks everyday (not just on Thanksgiving) to the incredible firefighters who put their bodies and lives on the line to protect our communities and natural resources from fire. 

From the Source:

"The residents of Kawaihae Village had another immediate view of the progressing blaze, as several watched the varying size of the smoke column, the actions of the Fire Department’s water-dropping helicopters and efforts of ground-based firefighters."

"Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said on Monday that they expect the upcoming dry season to have numerous fires. The unusually heavy rains encouraged plant growth, he said, particularly fountain grass. The invasive species survives fires, unlike native life, and 'makes excellent fuel for fires,' according to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council.

Oliveira said fountain grass forms the majority of fuel in the wildfires they see."

Fast-Spreading Ohia Wilt Disease Now Killing Trees in Holualoa, Kealakekua

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"An ohia stand grows in Kaloko Mauka. A fast-spreading wilt disease has been discovered in trees on the west side of the island. Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today"

A new challenge for the health of our sensitive native forests has quickly emerged: rapid ohia death. Disease leads to dead trees. Dead trees mean more fuel. More fuel means a higher wildfire risk.

Mahalo to our long-time partner, J.B. Friday for helping raise the awareness level of this important issue!

From the Source:

"The fungus, which spread swiftly over more than 16,000 acres in East Hawaii, has been discovered in trees in Holualoa and Kealakekua, said James Friday, an extension forester with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources in Hilo."

“Don’t move wood around, don’t move plants around,” Friday told a packed Council Chambers at the forum sponsored by Rep. Nicole Lowen. “Kaloko mauka is what I’m really worried about. You buy infected wood from Puna, cut it up in your driveway, the sawdust blows around, and you just infected your forest.”

Indonesia Uses Trained Elephants to Control Forest Fires

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"In this Sunday, Nov. 10, 2015 photo, forestry officials ride on the back of an elephant as they patrol an area affected by forest fire in Siak, Riau province, Indonesia." (AP Photo/Rony Muharrman)

The elephant plays an important role in the lifestyles of many people in Southeast Asia - and in ways you might have never imagined. Elephants as part of a fire crew? Check.

From the Source:

"Officials in Indonesia are using trained elephants outfitted with water pumps and hoses to help control fires that have claimed vast amounts of forest while sending thick haze into neighboring countries.

For nearly three months, Riau province in East Sumatra has been blanketed by smoke from forest fires and land clearing, especially in peat-rich areas where flames are difficult to contain.

At the elephant conservation center in Siak district, 23 trained elephants are being used as 'forest watchdogs.'"