Hot Under the Collar Over Wildfires

"Wildfires like this one are increasing across the island and are extremely detrimental in a variety of ways." Credit - Chief Eric Moller, USAG-P, FES and HWMO

Highlight of Ilene Grossman (Planning Assistant) and HWMO's efforts to protect Kauai resident and native resources from wildfire!

From the Source:

"'I want to do my part in protecting the Hawaiian Islands’ natural and cultural resources,' says Grossman. 'Wildfires have a devastating impact on our islands in general, and I want to offer my time to help our communities with this growing issue.'

As long as residents do their part by being proactive and informed, the number of fires can decrease. Regular maintenance of yards and landscaping, for example, is one way to help mitigate fires. It’s important for the community to work together to make this happen, including government entities, as wildfires are both dangerous and expensive.

'When fires burn native forest, what comes back are non-native, invasive grasses and other species that are more fire prone, creating a vicious cycle of fire,' explains Grossman.

Additionally, after a fire, soil drifts into the waterways, smothers reefs and impacts water quality. Air quality is yet another concern that especially impacts fire-fighters. Moreover, the cost to taxpayers to put out each fire and rebuild afterward is another negative effect.

Jim Cantore PSA - 30 Second Version

A brief message about Ready, Set, Go! for this fire season from CalFire:

From the Source:

"Don't make a hard job harder, help them help you."

Uploaded by CAL FIRE TV on 2015-04-16.

Waimea Wildfire Management Group Co-Hosts Fundraiser

From the Source

"For more than 10 years, the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a nonprofit organization based in Waimea, has been on a mission to protect Hawaii’s communities and natural resources from the growing threat of wildfires.

Hawaii’s proportion of land area burned each year has either matched or exceeded that of any of the fire-prone Western U.S. states. The impacts of wildfire range from human safety and native forest destruction, to coral reef smothering caused by post-fire erosion and run-off.

Since 98 percent of wildfires in Hawaii are caused by humans and many are caused accidentally, we can all work together to help solve this issue by spreading the word about wildfires and the ways we can prevent them and protect our families, communities, and lands.

To get involved and offer kokua, Hawaii Wildfire is teaming with the Rotary Club of Kona and Denny’s to host Project Compassion from 4-9 p.m. Sunday at Denny’s Restaurant in Kona. With the public’s support, Hawaii Wildfire can continue its mission and expand its outreach efforts. The organization will receive 20 percent of the food and beverage sales and 100 percent of guest servers’ tips."

 

HWMO and its partners at Wildfire Prep Day 2014.

Devastating Wildfires Pose Growing Threat to Hawaii's Lush Forest and Water Resources

Excellent, well-rounded article about the mauka to makai connectivity in regards to wildfires. Our wildfire issues are making national headlines!

From the Source:

"In addition to chipping away at the last of Hawaii's native forests, wildfires also threaten the state's limited freshwater resources. According to Elizabeth Pickett of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, fires can make the soil hydrophobic, meaning less water infiltrates the soil and contributes to the state's precious groundwater resources.

Wildfires are also destructive to the state's treasured coral reefs.

The most recent National Climate Assessment reports that Hawaii's coral reefs are already struggling to survive due to bleaching events and ocean acidification."

Sign-up for a free-trial of ClimateWire to read the full article (it's worth it!):

http://www.eenews.net/login?r=%2Fclimatewire%2Fstories%2F1060016599%2Fsearch%3Fkeyword%3Dhawaii

"A forest fire creeps down to the sea from the West Maui Mountains.
Photo courtesy of Peter Liu."

Waikoloa Breeze - Goat Dozing in Empty Lots; Waikoloa Action Team Notice

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From the Source:

"Also of concern is the growth that is occurring on the interior parcels owned by the Association. We have secured funding from the Hawaii Wildfire [Management] Organization and the Board has approved a test clearing of one of the interior WVA lots within the Village using domesticated goats. This would include temporary fencing of the parcel or section of the parcel and the placement of domesticated goats within the fenced area to eat down the vegetation...this form of cleaning is very ecologically friendly and would be in lieu of noise from weed whackers, chain saws and use of herbicides." - Roger Wehrsig, General Manager, Waikoloa Village Association

Fire Evacuation Plan Put to the Test at Honaunau Elementary

It pays to have and practice an evacuation plan. Case in point, last Friday, a brushfire right next to the Honaunau Elementary School campus sparked school staff and parents to lead students to an open field above the school, following their evacuation protocol. Everyone was kept out of harm's way as firefighters were able to quickly respond and put the fire out.

Does your child's school or even your own home have an evacuation plan and most importantly, is it regularly rehearsed?

Above: Credit - West Hawaii Today

Waikoloa Breeze Feb 2015 - Waikoloa Wildfire Prep Action Team Meeting

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From the Source:

"A Community Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2015 to promote member awareness to the potential of wildfires occurring this year as conditions are very similar in nature to those back in August 2005, when a wildfire consumed more than 25,000 acres of land and threatened Waikoloa Village, resulting in the issuance of an evacuation notice."

Twenty One Individuals and Organizations Honored for Superlative Fire Protection Efforts in their Communities

We are proud to announce that HWMO is one of the recipients this year for the Wildfire Mitigation Innovation Award. Sponsored by the National Associations of State Foresters (NASF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National FIre Protection Association (NFPA), and the USDA Forest Service, "these awards are designed to recognize outstanding service in wildfire preparedness and safety across a broad spectrum of activities and among a variety of individuals and organizations."

HWMO will be sending a representative to accept the award at this year's Wildland-Urban Interface Conference (WUI) in Reno, Nevada on Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

We are honored to be amongst an impressive array of national groups and individuals who are doing amazing things serving their communities!

We couldn't have received this award without the incredible help from our staff, our Board of Directors, our Technical Advisory Board, our partners, and our active community members. A big mahalo to all of you! 

Firefighters Battling Brush Fire Near Mililani Mauka (VIDEO)

Wildfires, unlike on the mainland where there are fire-adapted ecosystems, can be detrimental to our native ecosystems in Hawaii. The current Mililani Mauka fire is a reminder of just how destructive wildfires can be here. Keep an eye out for the after effects of the fire. After a solid rainfall event, check out the neighboring shoreline to see if there is residue smothering the reefs as a result of the wildfire.

"[The] native forest cover protects Hawaii's watersheds and allows rainfall to slowly recharge the aquifer. When native forests burns in a wildland fire, the soil erodes into streams and out onto reefs, causing damage far beyond the burn site. Recovering native vegetation is hindered by invasive plant species which quickly recolonize the site and often are both more prone to burning and better adapted to survive fire, resulting in a destructive cycle of wildland fires."

From the Source: 

"Fire responders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Forestry and Wildfire, and Honolulu Fire Department are continuing to fight the wildland fire located in the Kipapa drainage above Mililani Mauka, including parts of the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge.

Approximately 350 acres of mostly intact native forest has burned as of 12 p.m. Thursday.  Six DLNR firefighters and eight HFD personnel are trying to contain the fire using aerial drops of water by helicopter.

Due to the lack of road access and steep terrain, responders are relying on costly air support to contain the fire. Four contracted helicopters and HFD's Air One helicopter are currently battling the flames. No structures are currently threatened...

The 4,775 acre refuge is managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife and protects habitat for several native bird species such as the 'elepaio, threatened and endangered plants, and endangered tree snails. The area burning is a mixed 'ohia koa forest with other native species present such as 'uluhe fern, loulu, iliahi (sandalwood), and halapepe."

Above: Credit - KITV4 News

Firefighters Mopping Up Kailua-Kona Brush Fire (VIDEO)

“I just started to clean there in case of a fire,” Libero said, pointing to the northern edge of the cleared area below the units. “And, the fire came.”

Being prepared in advance of wildfire season can pay off in immense ways. In this case, creating a firebreak made a difference as the break was tested by this 20-acre fire on Monday. We urge all North Kona residents to come to our Community Wildfire Protection Plan Meetings to be a part of the discussion for instituting community projects such as these to help minimize the wildfire threat in the area.

From the Source: 

"Firefighters Tuesday morning are mopping up a brush fire that consumed about 20 acres Monday afternoon in Kailua-Kona.

The fire, which broke out shortly before 3 p.m. in vacant land makai of Hualalai Elderly, is listed as under control and contained, according to Hawaii County Fire Department officials. The estimated 20-acre burn area stretches between the Kona Mazda Hyundai Subaru dealership and makai of the southern boundary of the elderly housing complex off of Hualalai Road...

Clash Libero, who has lived at Hualalai Elderly for nine years, said Monday’s fire was the third such incident he has witnessed since moving into the housing complex. According to West Hawaii Today archives, firefighters last doused brush fires in the vicinity of Hualalai Elderly in February and October of 2012. The October blaze consumed 8 acres while the February fire burned 35 acres.

Libero, who has previously assisted firefighters during fires near his home, said he used a garden house Monday to help douse flames that jumped the rock wall behind the complex and ignited some brush in an area that serves as a firebreak, as well as his garden."

Above: "A brush fire consumed about 20 acres Monday afternoon in Kailua-Kona before firefighters managed to get the blaze under control." Credit: Chelsea Jensen/West Hawaii Today

Waikoloa Breeze Jan. 2015 - Did You Know?

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Check out our "Did You Know" article explaining why Waikoloa is threatened by wildfires and what HWMO can offer residents to reduce wildfire hazards.

From the Source:

• "The Waikoloa Village area has experienced the largest and most severe wildfires in state history.
• Those fires occurred in situations very similar to what we are currently experiencing - prolonged period of wet weather and vegetation growth followed by drought"

Hawaii Updates CWPPs to Create Fire Adapted Communities

Our week in the national spotlight continued with this highlight from our partners from the Western Region Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy in their latest newsletter:

From the Source: 

"Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is holding a series of public meetings to hear concerns and solutions to wildfire issues to incorporate in updates to four Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Ilene Grossman, the CWPP Update project manager said, 'We are updating these plans because they have lost community momentum. The projects and input are outdated, and with predicted drought to follow this current vegetation growth, the fire hazard will likely be very high in the near future.' Read more about the CWPP update process here >.
 
HWMO is also initiating six new CWPPs, so that highest risk communities throughout the state of Hawaii will be covered by a CWPP. Funding for the updates and new CWPPs comes from US Forest Service Wildland Urban Interface grants. To follow through with CWPP prioritized actions, HWMO is hosting Ready, Set, Go! wildfire preparedness workshops and distributing a Hawaii version of the Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Action Guide. Community action teams formed during these efforts are further being supported by HWMO to work toward Firewise Communities/USA designations and Fire Adapted Communities overall goals. For more information, see the HWMO website."

Above: Fire in Puu Anahulu burns near Waikoloa, as viewed from Kohala Mountain Road in Waimea (Kamuela) in mid-November.

Ready, Set, Go! - Department Spotlight - HWMO

Our national partner, Ready, Set, Go! covered HWMO's Wildfire Preparedness Program in their first ever "Department Spotlight" as part of their national newsletter. 

From the Source: 

"A Ready, Set, Go (RSG) member since June 2011, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is a support organization dedicated to sharing the wildland fire preparedness message through workshops in collaboration with their community partners: schools, community centers, and their local, state and federal fire-response agencies.

The workshops offered by HWMO and their partners are viewed as a two-step process: an initial workshop and a follow-up workshop."

"'Holding these workshops has been a great way to not only spread the RSG message but to get our organization's name out into the public. Through these workshops, we've forged new partnerships with local entities and community members that will translate into future on-the-ground projects. We've also used these workshops as a way to attract residents to our local CWPP update meetings that we've held after the workshops.'"

Above: Series of Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Workshops put on by HWMO.

Family's Spirit Still Strong After Fire

Recovering from a loss of one's home after a fire or any other natural disaster may be one of the most difficult things to come to terms with and overcome.

Even after the lava flow took their home of seven years, this inspiring family's focus towards the future and gratefulness for the strength and support of their ʻohana is a great reminder of what's important this holiday season.

From the Source: 

"A family whose life turned upside down when lava from Kilauea Volcano set fire to their home of seven years said despite the recent challenges, they'll be counting their blessings this Thanksgiving.

'We're gathering with friends and family and having a potluck, and we will be so thankful for the family here, our cousins and everybody in Kala­pana helping us out,' said Margaret Byrd, whose family was renting the home on Apaa Street that burned down from the lava flow on Nov. 10. 'Be thankful for another day.'"

Above: Credit - USA Today

El Niño Expected to Dry Out Island

West Hawaii Today examined the possibility for El Niño this year. We chimed in on what El Niño could mean for the islands in terms of wildfires:

From the Source: 

"The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization is increasing outreach in the face of the possible dry conditions. Heavy fuel loads caused by the wet summer are cause for concern, said Pablo Beimler, education and outreach coordinator for the organization, which is based in Waimea. 

'A lot of wildfires happen in these drier periods after it’s been wet,' Beimler said. 'The fuel loads in West Hawaii are similar to when we had the big fires in Waikoloa in 2005 and 2007.'

Unlike the typically well-defined fire seasons on the mainland, wildfire is a year-round possibility on Hawaii Island.

'In a single day, you may have a wet morning and wildfire conditions in the afternoon,' Beimler said. 'It just changes so rapidly.'"

Above: "High rainfall in Kealakekua and Honaunau during May benefited area farmers. The Big Island can expect below average rainfall this winter, but forecasters say the island should escape severe drought, the National Weather Service said Friday." Credit - West Hawaii Today

Waiehu Brush Fire in Old Mac Nut Fields Burns 1/4 Acre

From the Source: 

"A fire burned about a quarter acre of grass and brush off of the Kahekili Highway before being brought under control on Friday night, Nov. 7, 2014.

Fire crews from Wailuku and Kahului responded to reports of the fire located in the old macadamia nut fields, about a quarter mile mauka of the highway just north of Makaʻala Drive.

The incident was reported at around 9:22 p.m.  Fire officials say crews arrived on scene at 9:34 p.m., brought the fire under control by 9:42 p.m., and had the fire extinguished by 10:25 p.m."

Input Needed for Community Wildfire Protection Plans

Front page of the West Hawaii Today featuring our recent CWPP meetings. Great article to read to learn about what CWPPs are all about. 

From the Source: 

"Work to reduce wildfire threat on Hawaii Island continued this week as a community meeting was held to generate concerns and solutions.

Feedback garnered Wednesday evening at Konawaena Elementary School will be used to produce an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan for South Kona. It’s one of four plans being created for free by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. Other areas getting an updated plan are Volcano, Ka‘u and Ocean View. The North Kona plan will be developed in the near future.

Community Wildfire Protection Plans are authorized and defined in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, which gives the public the opportunity to influence where and how agencies should work with communities in implementing fuel reduction projects and protecting resources from loss.

These plans are a prerequisite for federal funding for projects, such as building dip tanks and firebreaks, providing critical education, outreach and field training, getting fire equipment, and upgrading infrastructure and property. Such plans serve as a mechanism for community input and are key to identifying specific projects intended to mitigate fire risk and areas of concern in the wildland-urban interface, or WUI, said Ilene Grossman, Community Wildfire Protection Plans project manager."

"Residents have until March 1 to provide input on the draft plans and can do so by calling the organization at 885-0900 or emailing admin@hawaiiwildfire.org."

Above: "Federal, state, and county firefighters teamed together to suppress a wildland fire burning through ohia forest in Kealakekua mauka in late 2009 and early 2010." Credit - National Park Service/Al Aviles

Kaʻu News Brief - Wildfire Prevention Planning

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From the Source:

"Wildfire prevention planning moved to Ocean View Community Center last night where the Hawai`i Wildfire Management Organization met with residents, asking for input to update the Ka`u Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The team is taking suggestions by mail and email.

 Residents and firefighters talked about only one fire hydrant serving all of Ocean View and noted the plan for a new well, which would allow for numerous hydrants. A dip tank for helicopter water drops and a 3,000 gallon water tank assigned to firefighting were suggested. Homeowners talked about fittings that could connect their catchment and holding tanks with fire fighting equipment. How to manage home water tanks for fire protection was mentioned."

Kihei Cane Burn Part of HC&S Annual Harvest

This is a good time to practice the "Set" portion of your Ready, Set, Go! Hawaii Wildland Fire Action Guide. Pay attention to your surroundings including any sudden changes in wind. Even if it is a "controlled" burn, the best is to be prepared for the worst case scenario. You can access updates via text, email or online at HCSugar.com.

From the Source: 

"Several residents sent in photos this morning of a scheduled cane fire in South Maui.

The plume of smoke from the fire could be seen from Māʻalaea Harbor with light winds carrying the smoke skyward.

According to notifications from Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, the fire was a scheduled burn that began at 6 a.m., and was to conclude 10 a.m. above Hawaiian Cement near Kīhei.

The burn is part of the company’s 142nd harvest that began in mid-March."

Above: "Oct. 27, 2014, 6:15 a.m. from Māʻalaea Harbor toward Kīhei. Courtesy Steve Butler aboard the Mahana Naiʻa." 

Hawaii Island Community Wildfire Protection Plan Meetings

Community Wildfire Protection Plan update meetings for the Big Island made it onto the front page of Hawaii 24/7:

From the Source: 

"Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization will hold community input meetings to update four Hawaii County Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) for Volcano, Ka‘u, Ocean View, and South Kona communities.

Community input is critical to the CWPP process to determine priority wildfire concerns, needs, and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires.

The CWPP update meetings will identify and prioritize projects to reduce the threat of wildfire to these communities."Community input is critical to the CWPP process to determine priority wildfire concerns, needs, and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires."

Above: "Punaluu Brush Fire" Credit - Hawaii 24/7