Portion of Farrington Highway Reopens After Suspicious Brush Fires

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Screencap from KHON2 video.

Any tips on the suspicious brushfires along Farrington Highway near Honokai Hale? Please alert the police. 

From the Source:

"Honolulu police have reopened the right westbound lane on Farrington Highway at Laaloa Street near Honokai Hale that was closed due to multiple suspicious brush fires."

"Firefighters say crews battled three brush fires located on the side of the road, one that was 10 by 10 feet, a second that was 100 by 50 feet and a third that was 200 by 100 feet."

500-Acre Calabasas Fire - All Evacuation Orders Lifted

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"Burned hillsides surround a home in Calabasas." (Michael Owen Baker/AFP/Getty Images)

Resident evacuations in Calabasas, a suburb of Los Angeles, proved to be a vital part of firefighting efforts this week. More than 5,000 residents left their homes during mandatory evacuations, allowing for firefighters to focus efforts on firefighting in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. Does your family have and practice an evacuation plan?

From the Source:

"With the hundreds of homes that we had in threat, the fact that we had no damage (to homes) is definitely a very positive effort by the residents of Calabasas and Topanga," he said, "and also, of course, the the firefighters that were in there trying to save those structures." - KTLA

“Firefighters are still trying to identify what commercial building was destroyed by the fire. The damage to the two homes was minor. Officials praised aggressive brush clearance by residents for preventing more damage.” - Los Angeles Times

‘Shari Davis was watching the television news Saturday as reporters said that much of Mountains Restoration Trust land used by her new summer day camp was scorched. Davis, who along with her husband owns and operates Camp Wildcraft, said, ‘I am kind of in despair at the moment.’

‘It looks like the whole area could be destroyed,’ Davis said. 

More than 50 children were set to arrive at the camp next week, and Davis said she was composing an email to parents letting them know that the camp might need to make alternate plans.” - Los Angeles Times

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.”

PHOTOS: Kanehoa Community Clears the Way to Being 'Firewise'

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Credit: HWMO

We cannot be any happier to see the great work the Kanehoa Firewise Committee and residents have put in to reduce the wildfire threat in their area. The second Firewise Community in Hawaii is well on their way to retaining that title for this year and beyond!

From the Source:

"Members of the Kanehoa community spent their Saturday making their community safer against the threat of wildfires.

The Hawai’i Wildfire Management’s Wildfire Prep Day provided communities across the island, state, and nation to participate in a day of preparation in honor of Wildfire Preparedness Month.

In total, two dozen Kanehoa community members joined in to remove an entire large dumpster with haole koa, also known as ekoa. The plant is known to be highly flammable and has the potential to create embers that can spark new fires, both near and far away."

"'All of us at Hawai’i Wildfire Management Organization are very proud of the work the Kanehoa community has contributed towards reducing the wildfire threat in their area and we hope more communities will follow their lead,' Pablo Akira Beimler, HWMO Community Outreach Coordinator, said in an e-mail.

Beimler says the efforts greatly reduced the wildfire threat by ensuring the roads can act as a fuel break to slow the spread of wildfire."

Fort McMurray Fire Photos Show Incredible Power of Historic Wildfire

Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada is facing a major crisis right now: a massive wildfire that has prompted the largest fire evacuation in the province's history. Over 88,000 residents were ordered to evacuate the fire that is even taking out parts of downtown. Our hearts go out to all of those affected - we know how terrifying it must be but the safest bet is to leave and to leave early during times like these.

From the Source:

"According to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, 80 per cent of the houses in the neighbourhood of Beacon Hill were destroyed by the powerful blaze.

Firefighters say they are preparing for a “worse” day Wednesday, anticipating strong winds and dry conditions to feed the already out of control 7,500-hectare-large inferno.

All 105 patients were evacuated from the local Northern Lights hospital within two hours, officials said at a news conference."

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."

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."

Bulky Trash Near Hydrants Obstructs Firefighters

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Screenshot from KITV4 video.

Disposing of green waste in Hawaii may not always be the most convenient chore for residents, but taking that extra step to dispose of it makes a huge difference for the community. Not only are you helping eliminate "eye-sores", but you are also contributing immensely to public safety. Less green waste means less of a wildfire risk and greater access for firefighters who rely on every second. Check out this KITV4 exclusive:

From the Source:

"You can't park your car in front of a hydrant, so why would you block the fire hydrant and then risk the firemen not being able to access it when there is a fire." - Jimmy Muneoka, Kahaluu Resident

"Residents need to become partners with each other and look out for people who are dumping on their own sidewalks." - Kymberly Pine, Honolulu City Council

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.'"

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,'"

Huge Community Effort to Battle Kahikinui Brush Fire

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Photo Credit: County of Maui/Ryan Piros

When a community comes together during an emergency, the safety of firefighters and residents is vastly improved. Case and point, the efforts of community members during the 5,300 acre wildfire that threatened homes in Kahikinui, Maui, made suppression efforts much easier for first responders. The fire was an intense one, not only for residents in Kahikinui, but for those in Kihei, too. The smoke was thick as it smothered parts of Kihei, reported Pablo Beimler, who was in Kihei for HWMO work. Unfortunately, HWMO had to cancel a Firewise Community Hazard Assessment with Kula Hawaiian Homelands due to the wildfire, but thankfully no homes or lives were lost in what could have been a catastrophic fire.

From the Source:

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Map of Kahikinui Fire. Credit: Maui County GIS

"Before first responders were able to close the roads Monday evening, good Samaritans like Joe Santos sprung into action. "I took my truck and I blocked the road because I was trying to stop anybody from driving into the fire," said Santos, operations manager for Kaupo Ranch."

Shortly after, Maui firefighters were in full force fighting the blaze. Various public and private entities also helped supplying manpower and bulldozers.

The efforts helped save all the homes in the Kahikinui Homesteads.

'The fire got close to the homestead side, a little more on the Ulupalakua area, that's where it was really intense trying to save the houses. The trade winds were bringing the fire close to the homes and that's where the stress level got a little bit crazy,' said Santos.

Taomoto said the Maui Fire Department expresses its gratitude to everyone who helped and continues to help fight the fire."

Three More Fires Reported In West Hawaii - Police Increase Patrols

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Report any suspicious activity relating to recent fires by calling 935-3311. Credit - Hawaii DLNR/special to West Hawaii Today

If you have any information that may help with the investigation of this unfortunate string of events, please do not hesitate to contact the Hawaii Police Department at 935-3311. Every little bit of evidence helps. Mahalo for your kokua.

From the Source:

"Two of the small fires were located in the North Kona District and the third burned in South Kohala, according to Kona Fire Prevention Bureau Capt. Kazuo Todd, who oversees two fire investigators in Kona. That brings the total number of fires that have ignited in the two districts to eight over an eight-day period between Feb. 11 and Thursday. That number includes two fires that combined with others into three fires on the day the string of fires began."

"'We just want the person involved to know that the community is working together, keeping their eyes open and we just ask you to behave yourself,' he said. 'If not, eventually, you will get caught and be held accountable.'

Though the department is always ready to respond to any additional reports, doing so is putting some strain on services in the area, the chief said.

'What that does is take away resources from responding to other calls,' he said. 'We always respond to every call that comes in, but when units are out of their district fighting a brush fire that was intentionally set, it does delay our response to other calls.'

All told, the fires have charred approximately 1,146 acres of mostly brush; however, state officials have said some native trees were lost. The fires have started primarily in the vicinity of Highway 190 between Kailua-Kona and Waimea."

Brush Fire Near Windfarm in Maalaea Burns 80 Acres

"Fire in Maalaea, Jan. 21, 2016. Photo credit: Melinda Harrigan Fasel"

Over 5 years ago, a large brushfire burned in the same area as the newest Maalaea fire, which burned over 80 acres and shut down Honoapiilani Highway. This is a prime example of an area riddled with the fire cycle issue: constant growth of invasives plus frequent ignitions leading to wildfires and thus new growth of invasives and the cycle continues.

From the Source:

"The fire started on the mauka side of Honoapiilani Highway, a quarter mile to the south of Maalaea Harbor.

Fire was burning towards the Kaheawa Wind farm but has not reached it yet.

Ground crews have no way to get to the fire because of steep mountainous terrain and no road access, so the fire is being fought with water drops from two helicopters."

Firefighters Battle 200-Acre Brush Fire Near HCC - Palamanui

"Firefighters are battling a brush fire in the vicinity of Hawaii Community College — Palamanui. (Graham Milldrum/West Hawaii Today)"

Hawaii Community College at Palamanui had a recent wildfire scare and took the right precaution of evacuating early and advising the public to avoid the area. Thanks to efforts by our firefighting partners, the blaze was kept away from important resources. Another close call, but this is only the beginning of what will be a very busy El Nino-driven wildfire period. 

From the Source:

"The blaze was roughly arrowhead-shaped, with the point headed toward the mauka forested area. The sides expanded slowly, often burning against the wind. With the plan reliant on the bulldozers and helicopters, the firefighters were largely limited to monitoring the blaze.

The fire was almost exclusively fed by fountaingrass, some of which effectively cylinders of vegetation four feet tall and four feet across. The fire could be seen jumping from bush to bush as it advanced."

Maui's Trucker Dukes Made Honorary Firefighter (VIDEO)

"Trucker Dukes shooting water with his dad, firefighter Joshua Dukes outside of the Kahului Fire Station. Photo by Wendy Osher."

A touching story of firefighters and the local community coming together to help a boy's fight against a rare and aggressive cancer. Find out how you can help at the end of the article.

From the Source:

"Beloved Maui boy, Trucker Dukes, who has been battling a rare and aggressive cancer for about a year, was recognized today as an honorary firefighter with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.  The event included a badge pinning ceremony, taking an oath to fight hard against cancer, a spin around the station in a fire truck, chocolate cake, toy firetrucks and his own firefighter turnout gear."

Wildfire Season Rages On at University Museum of Art (Audio)

Art is not only a medium of self-expression, but also an important way to convey messages to the general public. Science and art are also not mutually exclusive.

Bryan David Griffith, Broken Equilibrium and Reconstruction. PHOTO: Tom Alexander, Courtesy of the University of Arizona Museum of Art

From the Source:

"Wildfire season has officially comes to a close, but it roars on at the University of Arizona Museum of Art's 'Fires of Change' exhibit, featuring the work of 11 artists.

Before they started to work on their pieces, the artists spent a week with scientists learning about fires in the forests of Northern Arizona in what museum officials call a wildfire bootcamp."

"Miller said the exhibition doesn’t dwell on the destructive force of fire.

"But as a necessary part of the forest ecosystem that’s all part of the rejuvenation of the forest, and the more humans suppress fires, the more catastrophic they become," she said.

The 11 artists worked across a range of mediums: installation, film, sculpture, even quilting."

Honolulu Firefighters Kick Off Prevention Week with Family Fun Event

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Credit: KHON2

Great job by Honolulu FIre Department and Federal Fire Department of getting this year's Fire Prevention Week message out to the public.

From the Source:

"HFD hosted a full day of fire safety activities and games, as well as prizes and interactive displays.

Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog also made appearance.

'Our biggest thing is to test your smoke detectors once a month and also to create a family fire evacuation plan, so that’s what we’re stressing today,' said Federal Fire inspector Angela Sanders."

Dealing with Wildfires in North Hawaii

HWMO, along with its fire agency partners, are highlighted in this week's edition of North Hawaii News! Get the inside scoop on what it took to fight the challenging Kawaihae Fire last month from those who were on the front lines. You'll also find some of the work HWMO is doing to keep wildfire occurrences and destructive effects to a minimum. 

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Aftermath of Kawaihae fire that burned from makai to mauka. (Pablo Beimler/HWMO)

From the Source:

"With fewer per capita emergency resources than higher populated areas like Honolulu, HFD has to make strategic use of available resources to cover large geographic areas on challenging terrain. Communication, coordination among units, planning, training, equipment and following well-established priorites are crucial, according to Captain Sommers."

"Pablo Beimler, education and outreach coordinator for Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), has created a compelling video vividly depicting the Kawaihae wildfire’s cumulative damage to coastal areas. It can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kNo7Ucv28Y.

With this month’s fire coming close to the ocean, HWMO’s Executive Director Elizabeth Pickett says, “'Most residents do not readily connect wildfire to coastal impacts because there is frequently a lag time and often geographic distance between fires and storm events.'"