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

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.'"

Lihue Airport Operations Return to Normal After Brush Fire

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Credit: Honolulu Star Advertiser

Yet another thing wildfire can impact: your next flight due to heavy smoke.

From the Source:

"At least three flights heading to Kauai were diverted to Oahu on Saturday because of heavy smoke from a brush fire behind Lihue Airport.

The brush fire began about 8:20 a.m. and was brought under control about 1:20 p.m., a Kauai spokeswoman said."

Kauai Firefighters Battle Brush Fire in Kaumakani

Credit - Kauai Fire Department

The importance of lending support to firefighters as a large landowner goes a long way. If you are a large landowner or manager, make sure to disclose any support you can give to your local fire department ahead of time, before there's even a fire threat. 

From the Source:

"Kauai firefighters extinguished a brush fire that broke out shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday in Kaumakani.

The fire scorched nearly 600 acres of land owned by Gay & Robinson. Strong winds made it difficult but firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 4 p.m., officials said.

Crews from the Waimea, Hanapepe, Kalaheo and Kapaa stations responded along with Rescue 3, Air 1 and a battalion chief. Firefighters also received assistance from the landowner, who provided water trucks and other equipment."

Kokee Road on Kauai Reopened, Brush Fire 100 Percent Contained

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Amazing job by our fire suppression agencies - it takes a collaborative effort amongst agencies to put fires out like this.

From the Source:

"As of Sunday afternoon, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said the fire has burned more than 400 acres...

At approximately 10 p.m. Friday, a bulldozer was dispatched by DOFAW to cut firebreaks on an old dirt road. This enabled two DOFAW and two Kauai Fire Department trucks to reach the west and north flanks of the fire and begin to battle it. The first responders continued their efforts until approximately 2 a.m. Saturday and then returned to their respective stations...

Air 1 arrived on scene at 7:30 a.m. to do water drops and three bulldozers and a water tender contracted by DOFAW arrived about an hour later to assist.

According to a preliminary investigation, the fire started on the side of Kokee Road just before the “hairpin turn” roughly one mile up from the base of the roadway. The fire then travelled all the way up to Pokii Ridge where it continues to burn."

HFD Warns of Brush Fire Risk as Dry Conditions Approach

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We were honored to be a part of the media event that led to this news piece. Honolulu Fire Department offered great tips for preparing for what looks like a busy period of wildfires ahead.

From the Source:

“'You should keep your property well maintained,' said HFD spokesperson, Capt. David Jenkins. 'Keep anything combustible away. If it catches fire it shouldn’t be leaned up against your structure. Anything that can transfer the wild land fire to your home should be cleared away and put somewhere safe.'

Firefighters also say you should have a 30 foot buffer zone around your house and make sure to maintain a fire break.

Brush fires are a statewide problem and fire officials say the majority are started by people whether it’s an accident or intentional.

On Kauai authorities say there have been 70 brush fires since December all believed to be intentionally set.

Some tips for you to stay safe this season:

• Clear away any brush or high weeds at least 30 feet away from any structures. That brush or weeds could act as fuel for a fire.
• Make sure you keep a water course near your house.
• If you see smoke, call 911 immediately.
• If you are a smoker, do not discard lit cigarettes out of your vehicle."

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.

Lecture Will Focus on Wildfires

Check out tomorrow's lecture from a collaborator of ours: Dr. Clay Trauernicht, wildfire extension specialist with University of Hawaii, Cooperative Extension and co-coordinator of Pacific Fire Exchange.

From the Source: 

"National Tropical Botanical Garden and Kauai Community College present the second autumn lecture in the collaborative series “Plants for our Planet” 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 21 at Kauai Community College cafeteria

Dr. Clay Trauernicht, a specialist in fire management with the cooperative extension program in the college of tropical agriculture and human resources at the University of Hawaii, will talk about the role of fire in environmental management."

IAFC Honors Kauai Fire Department for Overnight Rescue of 121 Hikers

Congratulations to Kaua'i Fire for receiving one of the highest honors firefighters can receive. Well deserved after an incredible, unprecedented rescue effort. Mahalo for your continual courage and selflessness.

From the Source: 

"The daring two-day rescue of 121 hikers stranded by a sudden flash flood along the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast of Kaua'i, Hawaii, ranks as one of the largest trail rescues in island history. Facing torrential rain, gusting winds and rising waters, Rescue 3 of the Kaua'i Fire Department repeatedly put their own lives at risk to return all 121 survivors to safety.

The heroic actions of Rescue 3 are being lauded with the 2014 presentation of the International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) and Motorola Solutions' prestigious Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor. For 45 years, the award has recognized first responders around the world for their expert training, leadership, heroic actions and safe practices.

Medals will be given to Captain Gordon Tamura, Rescue Specialists Aaron Hawthorne and Adam Hussey, Rescue Operator Bryan Doo and pilot Clifton Cates at the general session of Fire-Rescue International on August 14 in Dallas."'

"As one survivor has said, praising their selfless acts of courage, 'I will never look at another firefighter the same way. I now intimately know the risks they take and the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety of others. That day, it was evident to all 121 of us, we were in excellent hands.'"

Above: Credit - Hawaii News Now