Firefighters Contain Brush Fire Along Waialae Nui Ridge

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“Because of drought conditions, so far this year over 10,000 acres have already burned from brush fires — twice the number of acres burned during all of 2015.”

Firefighters are thus working as hard as ever to protect communities from dangerous wildfires, including this fire in Kahala that burned close to homes on a steep ridge. A rogue drone was flown in the operation area, prompting HFD and police to call on the drone operator to land. "Having a drone in the air just isn't safe" for firefighters. Please refrain from using drones in areas where firefighters are fighting a blaze. A GoPro video is not worth risking the safety of our firefighters. Please share this message.

From the Source:

“’I thought the fire was going the other way, but it came as close as my property line,’ said Waialae Nui resident Edwin Motoshige. ‘Firemen were here so thankfully, yeah, it was okay.’

‘During our operations, some of our firefighters noticed a drone in the air kind of hovering around right where we were working in our operational areas,’ he said.

Once HFD found the drone’s operator, police were called and the drone was forced to land. With Air One overhead and crews on the ground, Mejia said having a drone in the air just isn’t safe.

‘Sometimes it gets too close in the way of what we’re trying to do and if there’s a failure of the drone, who knows what could happen,’ he said.”

Organizations Kick Off Wildfire and Drought Look Out! Campaign

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Credit - Molly Solomon/HPR

HWMO and its partners statewide worked together to launch Wildfire & Drought Look Out!, Hawaii's first coordinated statewide wildfire outreach campaign. Here are a number of news clippings from TV, radio, and newspaper sources and the links to each source.

KHON2:

“‘I have been preparing for it for years now,’ said Momoa. ‘Ever since I moved in there, I could see the vision that it was going to burn soon.’”

Big Island Now:

“‘We have set up both a public and a media page on the HWMO website. The public page will have loads of information for home and property owners on how best to prepare for the possibility of wildfire well in advance,’ said HWMO Executive Director Elizabeth Pickett. ‘We’ll include water saving information which is really topical during this prolonged drought event in many areas across the state, largely caused by El Nino weather conditions.’

HWMO will also maintain and manage a media page, where partners can contribute story ideas and leads for reporters and their news organizations.”

Maui News:

“Prevention suggestions include:

* Clearing combustible materials near homes and lanais.

* Keeping grass short and tree branches off of the ground.

* Creating a defensible space at least 100 feet around a home.

* Removing leaves and debris from gutters and roofs.

* Covering eaves and vents with -inch mesh.

* Creating and practicing a family evacuation plan.”

HPR:

“With an above-average fire season ahead, state officials stress a need for public awareness. Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization is a nonprofit that’s working with federal, state and local agencies to kick start a campaign to provide information and tips for homeowners. More information can be found on their website, hawaiiwildfire.org.”

Honolulu Civil Beat:

More than 60 percent of the state is experiencing moderate drought conditions, and parts of the Big Island are facing extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

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Credit - Clay Trauernicht

“We hope this campaign, which has both a public and a media component, will educate and inform everyone living in and visiting Hawaii about the year-around threat of wildfires,” DLNR Director Suzanne Case said in a release.

Hookele News:

“The campaign seeks to educate homeowners and communities and empower them to take proactive steps that reduce the chances of wildfire ignition and create safer conditions for our firefighters.”

Hawaii Faces Increased Wildfire Risk This Summer

Nationally, Hawaii is on the map this year (along with Alaska and the Southwest) as being an area of "increased danger for significant wildland fires from May through August" according to a new report from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Our partners Clay Trauernicht, from University of Hawaii CTAHR Cooperative Extension, and Captain David Jenkins, from Honolulu Fire Department, do a great job in this Hawaii News Now report to explain the current drought and wildfire situation and what that means for Hawaii visitors and residents.  Stay tuned for the statewide wildfire prevention and preparedness campaign set to launch real soon!

From the Source:

'We've sort of been tracking the progression of the drought, so we're pretty well aware that we're facing an above-average fire season for the summer,' said Clay Trauernicht, a wildfire specialist with the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension.

'We're seeing reports of El Nino subsiding, but what that means for us is, it's sort of leading us right into our summertime dry season. So even though it's going to look like a normal summer, we have this big rainfall deficit from the wintertime,' Trauernicht said.

Several agencies are working together and will soon be launching a new wildfire prevention and preparedness campaign to help keep communities safe.

'There's a lot of things you can do both to prevent fires from starting, as well as reducing fire risks around your homes,' Trauernicht said."

Worsening Drought Signals Wildfire Stricken Summer

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Credit: KITV4

El Nino may be weakening, but that doesn't mean its effects are...in fact, we haven't realized the full impact of its effects just yet. Hawaii's current drought is expected to worsen which means a higher potential for more wildfires. May is Wildfire Preparedness Month. Learn how you can take action today!

From the Source:

"Although those dry conditions from El Nino are weakening, a drought-stricken Summer is right around the corner. 

'This year we're well ahead of schedule for how dry we are,' said Ian Morrison, Meteorologist for the National Weather Service. 'We're about three months ahead of where we would normally be. So we're about to reach a threshold in Hawai'i where normally we wouldn't hit that threshold until July.' 

That dryness translates to parched vegetation, a wildfires food of choice. 

'Most of the fuels are going to be very dry on the Leeward side,' Morrison added. 'So they're going to be much easier to start fires, and much easier  to maintain fires.'"

"Though there is hope for more rain next Winter, it falls on the responsibility of everyone to help keep brush and wildfires to a minimum this season."

Fire Scorches Vacant Land Near Hualalai Elderly Housing

Credit - West Hawaii Today

Wildfire solutions are not always easy to find. One of the more complex issues are campfire starts from homeless, a common occurrence in Kailua-Kona. What's important is that to find solutions, we need to ensure that these complex issues are addressed with all stakeholders at the table. Collaboration is the only way to get to the heart of wicked problems like these.

Mahalo to firefighters for keeping Kona residents safe!

From the Source:

"Capt. Gifford Matsuoka said a southwest wind helped to keep the fire from spreading into more vacant land to the south and blew the brunt of the smoke away from the housing complex.

That wasn’t the case in 2012, when smoke from a similar fire forced the evacuation of the complex. Smaller fires have occurred sporadically in the area since then.

'Round three. This is the third time since I’ve been here,' said resident Larry Johnson, watching the scene unfold to the west.

Residents were quick to blame the fire on the homeless camping on the vacant land. Firefighters said the cause hasn’t been determined but listed homeless campfires as a possible cause."

Kahoolawe Fire Sparked by Catalytic Converter

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Credit: Whitney Kruehl

More often than you may think, catalytic convertors are responsible for a number of wildfires throughout the State of Hawaii. Even in sparsely populated Kahoolawe, wildfires can occur - all it takes is one spark. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared. Be especially careful on days when it's windy!

From the Source:

"Personnel from the Wailea fire station confirmed a large smoke column of smoke coming from the island and the department’s helicopter was dispatched to investigate.

When Air 1 arrived, the pilot reported about 10 acres of brush and kiawe on fire. Air 2 was quickly dispatched to assist before the fire spread beyond control.

When both helicopters left the island at 6:20 p.m., the fire was 100% contained and had burned an additional five acres."

Police Ask for Public's Help After Latest Round of Suspicious Brush Fires

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Credit: Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today

From the Source:

"Three of the four fires on Sunday are being investigated as arson and are considered part of the string of suspicious brush fires that have burned numerous acres on the leeward side of the island."

"The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspect or suspects.

Police ask people who frequent Hawaii Belt Road, especially in the areas of Kaiminani Drive in the vicinity of Ane Keohokalole Highway, the Daniel K. Inouye Highway in the vicinity of the 49-mile marker, and Route 190 between the 6-mile marker and the 14-mile marker, to be aware of the recent fires and to report any suspicious activity in the area immediately to police at 935-3311."

Wildland Fire Meeting on Kauai

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Mauna Kea Fire Field Tour on second day of 2014 CNH Conference. Credit: HWMO

HWMO will be one of the speakers at this year's California, Nevada, and Hawaii WIldland Fire Conference in Kauai. Stay tuned to our HWMO Blog for a recap on the event!

From the Source:

"The event is geared for firefighting agencies at all levels of government to promote professional wildland fire management practices that protect lives and property, and enhance natural resource values.

Among the topics of discussion will be presentations by representatives of: the National Weather Service on the El Nino season and effects on fire conditions in Hawaii, Pacific Fire Exchange on challenges to rapid wildfire containment in Hawaii, and the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization."

South Kohala Brush Fires Close Highway 190

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"Parker Ranch Firefighters douse hotspots on a brush fire makai of Hwy 190 on Sunday afternoon. (Laura Shimabuku/West Hawaii Today)"

A string of arson fires caused another headache for firefighters and motorists on Sunday, April 10th. Please report any suspicious activity to the police. 

From the Source:

"Firefighters were busy battling three brush fires on Sunday.

Highway 190, between Waikoloa Road and mile marker 6, was closed for about five hours as three separate fires. One of the fires, located near mile marker 8, was consumed about 10 acres on the makai side of the highway while the other two fires were kept small."

Drought Intensifies in Hawaii, Extreme Conditions in Kona

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Credit: United States Drought Monitor

El Niño is causing severe drought conditions in much of Hawaii Island and the rest of the state is now experiencing moderate drought. With dry conditions come the potential for wildfires. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure to remove all dead or dry grasses, shrubs, or trees around your home.

From the Source:

"'Farmers on the Kona slopes of the Big Island have indicated that conditions are the worst in recent memory,' the NWS stated, 'even including 2010 which was a significant drought year for the area. Kona coffee growers have indicated that the drought will adversely affect this year’s crop.'"

"There are troubling reports even in the normally wet Hilo and Puna districts. 'A rancher near Pahoa reported selling 20 percent of his herd due to poor pasture conditions,' the National Weather Service reported. 'Another rancher who works on the upper slopes of the South Hilo district reported the loss of 28 cows due to the lack of rain and the poor forage. In upper Hilo town, an aquaculture operation lost sturgeon because of low stream flow conditions.'"

Despite Recent Rain, Drought Conditions Expected to Last Long Into Summer

Credit: West Hawaii Today

You might be able to see it just outside your bedroom window: the landscape around you starting to look drier and drier. Forecasts are calling for severe droughts for most of Hawaiʻi throughout the year (and possibly beyond). There are a number of steps you can take to make sure you stay a few steps ahead of the many wildfires on the way, both on wet and dry sides. 

From the Source:

"These sudden downpours are part of the pattern, said Elizabeth Pickett, executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, based in Waimea. The moisture stays just long enough to encourage vegetation growth, then it disappears and takes its time coming back."

"A coordinated group of federal, state and county fire officials have declared a wildfire and drought lookout, said Pickett. Officials with the National Park Service, U.S. Army, and Hawaii County Fire Department and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife are on alert, she said.

'The forecast is really dismal as far as long dry periods and vegetation growth,' Pickett said.

The public will see the agencies roll out a wildfire awareness campaign in May in coordination with the national Wildfire Awareness Month, Pickett said.

Residents can do simple things to protect themselves from wildfire. They include landscaping with native plants -- most of which are naturally fire resistant -- and cutting down and removing brush and other fuel from near their homes.

'Many (introduced) plants that don't get enough water during a drought will drop their leaves and create a fire hazard,' Pickett said. 

Drought Conditions Fueling Brush Fire Potential

Screenshot from KHON2 video.

A statewide drought means more wildfires. Check out this KHON2 video on the current state of the drought, what this means for wildfire potential, and tips for making sure your family is safe from wildfire.

From the Source:

"So how can you prepare?

Fire officials say if you live in an area near lots of dry grass you should create a 30-foot safety zone around your home.

You should make sure to remove leaves or other combustibles that could help the fire spread.

Also, make sure your family has an evacuation plan in case you have to leave your home.

'Just a few weeks of dry season or very dry weather can bring water content down on the vegetation and could bring your home into harms way,' said Jenkins."

Electrical Arc at Maui Electric Substation Sparks 7-Acre Wailea Fire

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Credit: Ellen Raimo/Special to Maui Now

Maui firefighters are off to a busy start this year, this time battling a 7-acre brushfire in Wailea on Tuesday, April 5th. All it take is one spark to cause a wildfire. Be prepared in advance by making sure your home and family have an evacuation plan!

From the Source:

"Maui fire officials say the seven acre fire started after an electrical arc on a Maui Electric Company transmission line dropped a shower of sparks, igniting the dry grass below it.

Wailea firefighters first responded to the same area located about 300 yards mauka of Kalai Waa Street about 90 minutes earlier, at 9:28 a.m. Firefighters extinguished a grass fire which burned a 40 foot circle below a high voltage transmission line. The Wailea area experienced a power outage at about the same time."

Small Structure Burns Down in Waimea Fire

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Photo Credit: Keoni Delacruz Veloria

A wildfire in Waimea (Kamuela), our home base, burned 125 acres of pastureland and burned down a structure that supported power to a nearby residence on Monday, March 28th. Creating defensible space not only around the home, but around all structures is very important for wildfire readiness purposes. We are glad to hear no one was injured and no homes were lost thanks to firefighter efforts!

From the Source:

"Weather conditions on the island haven't helped the situation, and residents shouldn't look for those conditions to improve markedly any time soon.

Maureen Ballard, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said a front is situated over Maui County but is dissipating as it moves along -- limiting its potential to generate rainfall. She added that there are likely trade winds to follow, but they will be drier trades, probably creating only a few lighter afternoon showers.

Diamond Head Brush Fire Burns 2 Acres

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Credit: Iris Takahashi / special to Hawaii News Now

The highly-trafficked Diamond Head, one of Hawaii's most notable landmarks, was ablaze on Tuesday, March 29th. One witness mentioned her "surprise" about it. However, this will be more and more of a common scene, regardless of what area you live in, because of the current drought. Drought means a higher wildfire risk! Stay vigilant of your surroundings and the changing conditions around you. 

From the Source:

"Fire crews fought nearly two hours to contain a brush fire at one of Hawaii's best known landmarks. Fueled by high winds, the blaze scorched about two acres on the exterior of the Diamond Head State Monument before it was contained.

'I just think it's shocking. I run this area everyday. Five to seven days a week and don't expect to see this, especially on Diamond Head. This is one of the most pronounced landmarks here,' said Saint Louis Heights resident Victoria Sherwood.'"

West Hawaii Fire Still Burning, Highway 190 Remains Closed

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Initial hours of the now 2,500 acre wildfire. Photo credit: Rachel Riley.

Due to a 2,500-acre fire apparently caused by a lightning strike that is still blazing near Puuwaawaa, Highway 190 remains closed between Makalei Street and Daniel K. Inouye Highway junction. Please follow any advisories and directions from emergency responders when on the road. Waikoloa Road and Kaiminani Drive are the current detour routes.

From the Source:

"According to the Department of Land and Natural Resoures’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the fire has burned an estimated 2,000-2,500 acres, as of early this morning. The number is a big increase from the previous night, when the Hawai’i County Fire Department said that the brush fire burned 1,300 acres."

"As the fire has gotten closer to the road, it has allowed ground crews to assist in putting out the blaze. Initially, the fire moved toward the ocean, limiting fire operations to helicopter water drops. When the wind switched directions, it blew the blaze back towards the road, easing access."

Community Rallies Together on Day 4 of Nanakuli Wildfire

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Helicopter flying over homes in Nanakuli. Credit - Terry Reis/Hawaii News Now

"Usually a fire like this doesn't happen until the summer but it's drier than normal for this time of year, so I think the brush fire season started a little bit early," said Steinke.

The drought due to El Nino is leading to an early surge in wildfires this year. Firefighters are working tirelessly across the state to protect communities from wildfire, and in turn, communities are showing their appreciation for their work. It gives us a warm feeling to see such selfless acts of thankfulness for our brave firefighters.

From the Source:

In the meantime, the community is rallying to support the hard working firefighters. Donated food and drinks were brought to the Nanakuli Fire Station Sunday.

"My heart is just out to the firemen," said organizer Alika Laronal. "They've been working since Thursday and I believe that anything would help."

Ongoing Brush Fire Burns Estimated 2,500 Acres on Nanakuli Ridge

When there is drought, there is no doubt that wildfires are right around the corner. A number of homes were threatened from this fast-spreading wildfire. We hope all remain safe and informed regarding fire updates from HFD. Remember, even if the fire may seem like it is heading away from danger, our ever-changing winds are a constant threat and can rapidly change the direction of the fire. Stay vigilant!

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Courtesy - Kristopher Pinero

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Courtesy - Hawaii News Now

From the Source:

"'It’s been difficult cause of weather, weather plays a big role cause in the daytime the wind usually comes down the slope but at night time things change and the wind changes direction and goes up slope so it plays tricks on the fire and helps go in a different direction,' said Honolulu Fire Dept. Capt. James Todd."

“'Our main object to protect homes so now its high on mountain but just in case there are hot spots some embers still burning,' said Paul Miguel with the Honolulu Fire Department. 'The challenges are cause of terrain its steep even in lower areas it was easy accessible. Did a great job putting out edge of fire. We’re going to keep an eye on it cause there’s a lot of hot spots. Then there’s the steepness going up. Maybe four going up tomorrow,'"

Hawaii's Wildland Firefighters Need More Resources

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Three DOFAW firefighters watch as smoke billows from a distance. Credit: DOFAW.

Front page headlines!

With the ever-growing problem of wildfires statewide, Hawaii's first responders have faced numerous challenges accessing adequate resources to ensure communities and natural resources are out of harm's way. This is a great article that highlights the underlying issues of wildfire in Hawaii, the current realities of wildfire suppression across the state, and tactics that may help alleviate these issues. The answer: improved resources for wildland firefighting and a focus on pre-fire mitigation.

From the Source:

"Experts say both the frequency and size of wildfires have steadily grown in recent decades as changing weather patterns and invading fire-prone, non-native grasses and shrubs have put Hawaii’s forests and natural areas at greater risk of fire.

Data from a recent Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization study indicate that the average area burned each year in Hawaii has climbed by 400 percent over the past century.

The study also shows that an average of more than 17,000 acres has burned each year over the past decade, with some years exceeding even the most fire-prone Western states.

In fact, a greater percentage of Hawaii is under high risk of wildfire than any of the other 16 westernmost states, according to an assessment by the Council of Western State Foresters."

"Clay Trauernicht, extension fire specialist with the University of Hawaii at Manoa, said the state needs to provide more realistic funding levels to help protect the state’s natural areas in the face of a rapidly growing wildfire threat."

"Cutting firebreaks, reducing vegetation and brush, and working with landowners to provide access for water and vehicles help to minimize the size of fires, their impacts and their potential danger to firefighters, he said."

"Trauernicht said the state should consider establishing a full-time team dedicated solely to wildfires. Not only would it improve the division’s initial response, but the team could also conduct pre- and post-fire activities when not responding to fires, he said."

Firefighters Battle 'Suspicious' Fires in South Kohala, North Kona

Great to see amazing cooperation among our first response agencies who are putting their lives at stake to control a number of simultaneous wildfires in the Puu Anahulu area. Mahalo for all of their hard work and dedication!

Please report any suspicious activity to 911. Also please follow roadblock instructions from HPD personnel. Mahalo for your kokua and stay safe.

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"Several fires broke out above Highway 190 near mile markers 17 and 18 and its intersection with the Daniel K. Inouye Highway Thursday. (Rick Winters/West Hawaii Today)"

From the Source:

"Firefighters continued to battle multiple “suspicious” brush fires in South Kohala and North Kona that had consumed more than 300 acres as of Thursday evening.

Hawaii Fire Department Battalion Chief Gantry Andrade told West Hawaii Today that officials considered the fires “suspicious.” All of the fires were reported shortly before 4 p.m. in dry brush and fountain grass near major roadways in the vicinity of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

“It’s unlikely multiple fires would start in multiple locations at the same time,” he said. Hawaii Fire Department investigators were on the scene and looking into the cause of the blaze as of press time."

"Luckily, wind conditions were in firefighters’ favor throughout the afternoon and evening with mild winds blowing out of the northeast that allowed crews to keep the fire from growing larger, he said.

An array of firefighters remained at the scenes of the fires as of press time, including state, county, volunteer and federal assets. During daylight hours, the firefighters were assisted by two Hawaii County helicopters performing water drops."