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.

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

Navajo's Assayii Lake Fire: Heartbreaking Losses, and How to Help

Learn how you can help those who have lost an important piece of their livelihoods:

From the Source: 

"Firefighters are making headway against the Assayii Lake Fire, but not before it gobbled up acre upon acre of sacred land in the Chuska Mountains between Gallup and Shiprock.The Assayii fire on the Navajo Nation had been 20 percent contained by Thursday June 19, as the blaze reached 13,450 acres, and 867 personnel battled the flames, according toInciWeb. But the victory is destined to be bittersweet.

Though no one has died, the toll is still great. Members of two communities had been evacuated, and at least 13 summer sheep camps had been destroyed, according to the Navajo Times.

'We’re going to be losing everything and our memories will be gone,” Elvina Yazzie told theNavajo Times on June 16 after driving her family’s flock of 28 sheep down the mountain with the help of her nephew, Nelvin Yazzie. “It just hurts because our grandparents built that hogan.'

Donations are being accepted at several chapter houses, Navajo Nation Emergency Management Director Rose Whitehair told the Navajo Times. The Crystal Chapter House, Naschitti Chapter House, Shiprock Chapter House, Fort Defiance Field House (Home Base), Tohatchi High School Gymnasium and Newcomb School are looking for flour, potatoes, eggs, paperware (bowls, plates, utensils, cups) Zip-lock bags, disposable gloves, oil, salt, baking powder, dish towels, steel knives, pots, pans, napkins, coffee, Kool-Aid and ice tea mix, power bars, cold cuts, bread, soda, water, juice, pitchers for Kool-Aid, canned food and boxes for food storage, according to theNavajo Times. The American Red Cross is fielding financial donations and offering other aid.

'Officials are asking that those donating items refrain from too much sugar products and also to be aware of the expiration dates,' the Navajo Times stated."

Above: "A weary firefighter prays between bouts with the Assayii Lake Fire in the sacred Chuska Mountains on the Navajo Nation." Credit: Neil Damon

Ballooning Arizona Wildfire Threatens Staples of Navajo Nation

When creating an evacuation plan with your family, make sure to include plans for your pets and livestock. Sending aloha to the Navajo ranchers whose livelihoods are at stake when large wildfires like this one push towards their community.

From the Source: 

"A fast-moving wildfire near the Arizona-New Mexico border grew Tuesday as it approached two communities and threatened traditional grazing lands on the Navajo Nation, where sheep are a staple of life, their wool is prized for its use in rugs, and mutton is on the menu of restaurants throughout the region.

The Assayii Lake Fire ballooned to more than 19 square miles in less than two days while making its way across winter and summer grazing lands in the Chuska Mountains.

The flames destroyed at least four structures and threatened about 50 homes near the rural communities of Naschitti and Sheep Springs, fire officials said.

Some homes in Naschitti were evacuated Monday afternoon, and authorities were urging desperate Navajo families to refrain from going into the mountains to search for their sheep and other livestock because of the fire's erratic behavior.

'They haven't contained any of it yet, and they're just letting it burn right now because the winds are so high, and that presents a problem," said Leo Watchman, head of the Navajo Nation's Department of Agriculture. "How far out do you evacuate homes and livestock pens? We're not out of the danger yet.'

The tribal agency has been busy rounding up trailers to move livestock from the area. But Watchman said it was too early to say what might have happened to the sheep and cattle that were on the mountain when the fire broke out.

Agriculture and livestock have been key in the evolution of Navajo society and economy. Tribal members have grazed sheep in the area for centuries, and livestock ownership is considered a symbol of resourcefulness and prosperity.

Fire managers said Tuesday they've closed roads in the area, but it has still been a challenge keeping people out given the value of livestock to the Navajos."

Above: "A plume of smoke in the Chuska Mountains near Naschitti, N.M. on June 15. Residents of a Navajo community near the New Mexico-Arizona border prepared for evacuations Monday as strong winds fanned the flames of a wildfire burning in the Chuska Mountains." Credit: Associated Press

Wolf Pups Rescued from Funny River Fire in Alaska's Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

Another reason to commend our brave and dedicated firefighters!

From the Source: 

"A massive wildfire tearing through Alaska's Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has caused wildlife to flee the area, but not every creature managed to escape.

Earlier this week, firefighters found a den of wolf pups that had been left behind when the rest of their pack raced away from the advancing flames of the Funny River Fire.

The pups were dehydrated, injured and hungry -- but almost all of them were alive.

'On Tuesday, 5/27, we rescued 5 wolf pups from the fire line. Due to the disturbance the parents abandoned the den. The pups were not harmed by the fire although all had porcupine quills that were removed by the medics working on the fire line. The pups were all given water and glucose by the medics (see photo). Alaska Department of Fish and Game and refuge personnel removed the pups from the area and they were transported to Anchorage for holding prior to permanent placement elsewhere. Thanks goes to Gannett Glacier firefighters and Division X-ray medics for all their good work.'"

Above: The wolf pups. Credit: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

Ideal Wildfire Conditions Make Battle Harder for Arizona Firefighters

When there is a fire in your area, always employ situational awareness (the "Set" in Ready, Set, Go!) Know the conditions in your area - you don't want to be caught off your toes. Even before a wildfire sparks, you should keep a lookout for signs of a heightened fire risk such as lack of rainfall the past few days, grasses that are turning brown, winds picking up, etc.

From the Source: 

"The deck appears stacked against 840 firefighters trying to wrangle an Arizona forest fire as it roars through thousands of acres of park land.

Dust-dry pine needles, high winds and steep slopes have dealt the blaze called the Slide Fire ideal conditions to spread rapidly, fire officials say. And it has.

The flames that investigators fear were ignited by human hands appear to have consumed hundreds of acres in a few hours' time, according to data from the online Incident Information System. The reported acreage burned jumped from 4,830 to 7,500 acres on Thursday.

A battalion of firefighters, including 15 hotshot crews and three air tankers had the blaze 5% contained by the evening, more than two days after the wildfire was first reported."

Above: "A wildfire burns south of Flagstaff, Arizona, on Wednesday, May 21. The fast-growing fire, dubbed the Slide Fire as it is just north of Slide Rock State Park, threatens several hundred homes and rental cabins in the area." Credit: CNN

Funny River Fire Darkens Sky Over Kenai Peninsula

"It's pretty scary. This is a first for me, I've been here 15 years but haven't seen anything like this."

This is a line we are hearing over and over again from across the nation and it should be taken seriously. Fire conditions and behavior are rapidly changing and need to be addressed with the same kind of swiftness.

From the Source: 

"The Funny River Fire has grown to more than 20,000 acres, according to a Wednesday morning update from the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center.

Fire came close to but did not cross Funny River Road on the north flank of the fire overnight thanks to fire crews, air support and an existing fuel break, according to the Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team’s Facebook page. 

Firefighters are focusing on securing the north flank on Funny River and the southwest corner to safeguard the community of Kasilof, the update says. Significant smoke is blanketing Soldotna...

At the Kasilof Mercantile Store near milepost 109 on the Sterling Highway, Nancy Russell said it was bright and sunny as she drove to work at 6 a.m. Tuesday. But by 11 a.m., the sky started to cloud with smoke, and it was dark by 2 p.m., she said.

Customers brought in 'horrible' photos of the smoke throughout the day, Russell said. She said people were picking up their children from school early and taking animals to safety.

'People are on very high alert,' she said. 'It's pretty scary. This is a first for me, I've been here 15 years but haven't seen anything like this.'"

Above: "The Funny River wildfire near Soldotna more than doubled in size on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, growing to nearly 7,000 acres in dry, windy conditions and low humidity, fire officials said." Credit: Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News

GoPro: Fireman Saves Kitten (VIDEO)

Amazing video of firefighters rescuing a kitten from a burning home, all filmed with a GoPro camera - get a taste of what it's like to step in a heroic firefighter's boots!

Shot 100% on the HD HERO3® camera from ‪http://GoPro.com. Fireman Cory Kalanick rescues an unconscious kitten from a burning house filled with smoke. Music Dexter Britain "Perfect Moment" http://dexterbritain.bandcamp.com/ Original video here: http://goo.gl/Eyv8Y

Crews Battle Brush Fire in Waianae Mountains

CONGRATULATIONS! You have found one of the four fires of your scavenger hunt. 

The Keaau Beach Park Fire was the largest wildfire between 2008-2012 that burned during the Hooilo season. What might have led to a wildfire that burned such a large area during the wet season (think environmental conditions)?

From the Source:

"Three helicopters and ground crews battled a 200-acre brush fire in the mountains across Farrington Highway from Keaau Beach Park on Monday. 

The wildfire does not threaten property and remains far from from any endangered plants or animals. The fire was at least a half mile from the closest homes and from the highway Monday evening, said fire Capt. Terry Seelig."

"Army wildfire range control and state ground crews were flown up to use hand tools to create a firebreak.

The winds, about 15 to 20 mph, were blowing mauka, causing the fire to move away from homes.

The fire did generate a lot of smoke and ash, Seelig said."

Blaze Threatens North Shore Homes

CONGRATULATIONS! You have found one of the four fires of your scavenger hunt. 

"A brush fire closed in on a residential area on Poamoho Street in Haleiwa yesterday. Smoke from the huge blaze was visible from miles away." (Cindy Ellen Russell/Star Bulletin)

The Waialua Fire was the largest wildfire between 2003-2007 that burned during the kau season. 

The fire ultimately burned over 7,000 acres. You can see just how scary the fire was from the photo on the right! This shows the importance of planning and creating defensible space around your home ahead of time. Learn more about how you and your family can protect yourselves from wildfire with the Ready, Set, Go! Action Guide.

From the Source:

"A brush fire that consumed more than 1,500 acres closed roads and forced the evacuation of at least two housing areas on the North Shore yesterday."

"Portions of Kamehameha Highway, Kaukonahua Road and Farrington Highway were closed to traffic as a result of the fire.

Hawaiian Electric Co. shut down power to about 1,130 customers in the area.

The Hawaii chapter of the American Red Cross opened up a shelter at Waialua District Park community center but moved it to Whitmore Community Park at about 8 p.m. after power went out."