Wind-Whipped Brush Fires Burn in Kalaeloa and Waianae

"Smoke is seen coming from a fire in the Kalaeloa area (Image: Carrie Cavallo)"

Having an evacuation plan for your business is just as important as having one for your household. Our hearts go out to those working or who own businesses in Kalaeloa and we hope all have made it out of the large brushfire safely.

From the Source:

"'We can't actually even go through the back road. It's blocked off and I guess the brush fire is actually making its way back to that side,' said truck driver Thomas Ramento.

'We have animals in the yard and we have employees back there. And I don't know how they're doing. They're not answering their phones,' said Joe Valdez, owner of Joel Trucking LLC.

The owner of Hawaii Extreme Paintball and Airsoft said he believes his business may be in jeopardy.

'The fire is on our end, it's heading to our place,' Bob Kahana said. 'We have a 50 by 50 wood structure, upstairs, downstairs. We have three different fields. Fire gets inside there, it would be totaled, devastating," he said.'"

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 Wildfire Management Organization Supports Formation of Firewise Communities in Hawaii

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"According to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, about 0.5% of Hawaii’s total land area burns annually, as much or more than the proportion of land are burned in any other US state. In Hawaii, 98% of wildfires are human caused."

We are extremely grateful to be a part of the Firewise Communities program and were highlighted for our efforts in January's National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Break newsletter!

From the Source:

"Wildfire in Hawaii, like anywhere else, threatens the safety of firefighters, residents andhomes. It also causes damage to the air quality, which impacts human health, and contributes to soil erosion problems that can cause damage to sensitive coral reefs. One of the partners in Hawaii working to help lessen the loss due to wildfire in Hawaii is the Hawaiian Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO). They are a small nonprofit organization that has been working together with fire departments, the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, communities and others to help develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and Firewise Communities. The HWMO was officially founded in 2000 by a group of South Kohala/North Kona regional experts who wanted to create a non-profit organization to serve as an arm for the fire suppression and land management agencies to conduct prevention, pre-suppression, and post-fire work. They became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2002. Since then, they have grown to not only address wildfire issues for all of Hawaii Island, but also the entire state and some of the Western Pacific (namely Yap, Palau, Guam).

According to Pablo Beimler, Coordinator with HWMO, "'Although we have a small staff, HWMO is continually able to accomplish a number of projects due to its extensive partnerships. We can't say it enough: by staying in communication with our partners on each project, and expanding partnerships where needed, they are able to ensure our projects stay grounded and effective.'"

"Pablo described other wildfire preparedness projects in which HWMO is involved. "We have a Firewise demonstration garden in Waikoloa Village, where we have a number of native, drought-tolerant plants growing strategically around a demo home to give community members an example of good defensible space practices. Our team has held a number of community events at the garden and have had a youth environmental empowerment group called the Malama Kai Ocean Warriors help be the ‘stewards’ of the garden. In terms of other youth outreach, we also go to numerous schools and youth programs to teach students about wildfire prevention and preparedness, including Firewise and Ready, Set, Go! principles. We also hold community wildfire preparedness workshops for various organizations/groups or for the general public where we give people a run-down on Firewise and Ready, Set, Go!."  

Fires Surge: Some 225 Brush Fires Have Burned On Oahu So Far This Year

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Front page of Honolulu Star Advertiser on July 9, 2015.

We are featured in the front page headline for the Honolulu Star Advertiser this morning!

From the Source:

"Residents can help prevent and prepare for brush fires by removing flammable materials within 30 feet of homes, pruning trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground, and creating and practicing a family evacuation plan, according to HFD.

Pablo Beimler, education and outreach coordinator of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, said tossing cigarette butts on the ground or the heat from a car parked near or on top of dry grass could trigger a fire. He said the organization found a correlation between population growth and an increase in brush fires.

The organization hopes to ramp up its outreach efforts, particularly in Waianae, which is typically dry, to engage residents about brush fire prevention and preparation through community action programs, he said.

'The big help is that a lot of the events (brush fires) are actually preventable,' Beimler said. 'We work with kids a lot. We think it’s a good way to start in terms of getting prevention methods out there.'

According to the organization, communities on Oahu especially at risk from brush fires include the Leeward Coast area. HFD data show that from January of last year, more than 100 occurred in Waianae, about 50 in Kapolei and nearly 40 in Waipahu."

Winds Keep Brush Fire Away From Nanakuli Homes (VIDEO)

Credit - Hawaii News Now

Quite fortunate in this case that winds were the saving grace; usually with wildfires, it's the other way around. Close calls, no matter how fortunate, should always be calls to action rather than inaction. It's also very important to stay vigilant of your surroundings, especially during peak season. Some Nanakuli residents had to be alerted by emergency personnel that there was a fire close to their home.

From the Source:

"Some residents were unaware that it had started until authorities went door to door.

Arnell Harris said a police officer came to her home and asked, 'Did you know there's a fire behind you? We didn't know. So all of us just ran outside.'

'It came within probably about 75 feet from a couple of the houses,' said Honolulu Fire Department Battalion Chief Paul Miguel. 'We were able to get up on both sides, the makai and mauka sides of the fire, kinda hold it in place. And that point it went over the ridge.'"

Firefighters Deal with More 'Suspicious' Brush Fires Near Makakilo

"Video still courtesy Saburban Castillo"

From the Source:

"Firefighters battled three brush fires just off the H-1 Freeway near Makakilo Sunday morning. It’s the second round of wildfires in that area in less than a week and the Honolulu Fire Department is once again calling it 'suspicious.'

'I don’t see the police arresting anyone hardly when it comes to fire,' he said, 'because it’s hard to get the evidence. You literally have to have the smoking gun in your hand.'

He hopes a concerted effort by all concerned can help pin down a fire-starter. 'The general public, if they see something suspicious on the highways, take the license number down and report it to the police. Let’s all join in and help solve the problem.'"

Kapolei Brush Fires Considered 'Suspicious', Why So Few Cases Lead to Arrest

Credit - Jinelle Kaleikini

Arson is a very hard case to pull together, but with the help of everyday citizens, making the call to the local Police Department could make a significant impact.

From the Source:

“'It seems to be relatively infrequent,' said former Honolulu prosecuting attorney Peter Carlisle. 'There are plenty of fires intentionally set, but they’re difficult to prove because nobody saw what, when and how it started.'...

Officials say for justice to be served, prosecutors need evidence.

“We ask the public to report to police if they saw anything suspicious, before, during or after a brush fire. If they saw a car driving away, if they saw someone throw something into the bushes, we want people to report that,” said Capt. David Jenkins with Honolulu Fire Department.

“It would be extremely important whether you saw somebody running or the size of the person… Those types of things are very, very helpful,” said Carlisle.

HFD Investigates String of Suspicious Brush Fires

Credit - Katie Gowen

If you see any suspicious behavior, please report to Honolulu FD or PD.

From the Source:

"Nearly 30 firefighters responded to the first call at around 6:30 p.m. and extinguished the three fires – all located near the eastbound lanes of the H-1 Freeway, between the Makakilo off-ramp and North-South Road -- by 7:15 p.m. Each burned less than a half acre.

Investigators believe all three fires are suspicious because they started around the same time in roughly the same area."

HFD Warns of Brush Fire Risk as Dry Conditions Approach

Screen capture from KHON2

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."

HFD Crews Respond to Overnight Flare Up of Makakilo Brush Fire

Another frightening close-call for Makakilo residents - a stark reminder of the importance of evacuating early and having a rehearsed preparedness plan.

From the Source:

Credit: Lynn Westlake

"A major brush fire that threatened homes in Makakilo Monday afternoon had been brought under control by Honolulu firefighters, but crews returned to the scene overnight to battle a flare up. 

The first calls about the fire were received around 3:15 p.m. on Monday. Images from the scene showed smoke and flames on the hillside along the westbound lanes of the freeway near the Makakilo offramp.

Police initially blocked the far right lane of the freeway in the westbound direction as crews battled the fire, but have since reopened the roads.

The Department of Emergency Management opened an emergency shelter at Makakilo Community Park for those forced to evacuate because of the fire. Evacuations were not mandatory according to a Honolulu Fire Department spokesperson.

'When the fire went to the third house, behind the third house, that's when I was like, we need to go, we need to go right now,' said Makakilo resident Wayne Richardson.

Honolulu police officers went door-to-door letting residents know about the shelter. Major Kurt Kendro says about 50 people showed up.

'A lot of families with animals, a lot of elderly people trying to get away from the smoke, but all voluntarily. The fire department knocked it down really quick,' said Kendro.

Fire officials said the blaze burned approximately 80 acres and damaged 100 feet of vinyl fencing. At one point, 18 companies and about 60 personnel were used to fight the fire.

'The terrain and the high winds did have contributions to how quickly the fire spread. The homes were located uphill downwind which made it a concern for us, those homes being in jeopardy,' said HFD Capt. David Jenkins.

Another Brush Fire Breaks Out in Makakilo (VIDEO)

Roadside ignitions are a common occurrence in Hawaii. 

Check out this video of yet another wildfire in Makakilo.

Remember, stay as far from dry grass when you idle or park your car on the side of the road. 

From the Source: 

"Firefighters battled yet another brushfire in Makakilo Wednesday, this time near the H-1 Freeway.

Viewer Tony Lalich shot video while traveling west-bound. Flames could be seen close to the road.

The Honolulu Fire Department said the alarm came in at 9:42 a.m. and the fire was fully contained as of 11:15 a.m.

Nine companies and 30 personnel responded. Crews remain on scene."

Above: Screen shot from KHON2.

Makakilo Fire Fight to Exceed $54,000, Family to Take Fire Safety Class (VIDEO)

The Makakilo fire is a stark reminder of just how easy a fire can start and carry in Hawaii. 2 young 7-year-old boys and a lighter is all it takes to cause a $54,000 suppression effort (not counting the post-fire structural and natural resource damages.)

Practice fire safety with your kids using these parental guides: 

From the Source: 

"'We want parents to realize that this could happen to anyone and how important it is to discuss fire safety with their children. We will participate in a fire safety program with them. Sorry,' he said on Saturday.The family will now go through a fire safety class with the fire department to discuss the dangers of playing with fire.

'The difference is delivery. It’s going to be a one-on-one education and anything else that we see is necessary in teaching them, we’ll work with them,' Capt. Jenkins said.

Children get fire safety lessons from a firefighters safety guide in school during Fire Prevention Week." 

Above: Credit - KHON2

Firefighters Making Progress in Makakilo Brush Fire Battle

A big mahalo to all of the firefighters who have, yet again, saved countless homes and lives. 

Remember, the fire is not out until it is completely out - conditions can change in an instant. Practice situational awareness by paying attention to your immediate AND distant surroundings. Keep a close watch and ear to your local TV and radio stations for updates. 

Learn more about what to do when a fire is in your area.

From the Source: 

"Honolulu firefighters are making progress in fighting a brush fire that has charred more than 1,000 acres on the windward side of the Waianae mountains.

Capt. David Jenkins, a Fire Department spokesman, said an aerial assessment was to be conducted Monday morning and firefighters and Department of Land and Natural Resources personnel are concentrating firefighting efforts on the upper slope of the Waianae mountains, to keep it from reaching a nature preserve.

Winds in the area have died down, helping firefighters begin to contain the blaze in the upper slopes, Jenkins said.

The massive brush fire is threatening 90 rare and endangered plant and animal species in the Honouliuli Forest Reserve, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The endangered Oahu elepaio bird and endangered "singing" kahuli tree snail also live there."

Above: "Honolulu firefighters battled a brush fire Friday above Umena Street in Makakilo."Credit - Krystle Marcellus/Star Advertiser

Crews Continue to Battle Makakilo Brush Fire (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

If you have to evacuate your residence, make sure you follow protocol from your local agencies (i.e. Civil Defense and Honolulu Fire Department). Stay tuned to the radio, news, internet and other media sources. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Fires can rapidly change course and be a threat even if they seem like they are far away or diminishing. Best to be safe and leave as early as possible.

Stay safe! 

Civil Defense: (808) 733-4300

Honolulu Fire Department: (808) 723-7139

From the Source: 

"The brush fire that scorched nearly 1,000 acres in Makakilo continues to burn, Honolulu Fire Department officials said, and it is heading north and away from residences. 

Officials lifted the evacuation for Palehua residents at around 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

'We would like to commend everybody, especially the other agencies...DLNR, DOFA, Federal Fire Department, even HPD with their contribution of their helicopter. Everybody contributed to the successes so far of this incident,' said Capt. David Jenkins with the Honolulu Fire Department. According to HFD, two young boys playing with lighters caused the large brush fire in Makakilo. Officials say the two 7-year-old boys are brothers.

'We are here to say we regret what has happened. Our children realize the consequences of their actions. We want parents to realize this can happen to anyone and how important it is discuss fire safety with their children. We will be participating in a fire safety program," said Troy Wright, the boys' father.'"

Above: Credit - Christy Carritt

Second Brushfire Sparks in West Oahu Near Kunia

Size doesn't matter - any wildfire can halt highway traffic for any given time.

From the Source: 

"Firefighters battled two brushfires in West Oahu Thursday afternoon.

The first sparked at around 12:25 p.m. in Makakilo. Officials say the blaze was about a half-acre in size and contained in less than 30 minutes.

While no structures were threatened, Honolulu police shut down two right west-bound lanes of the Makakilo Drive off-ramp from the H-1 Freeway for a short period.

Then at 1:35 p.m., another brushfire was reported, this time in Kunia.

Officials say it was also a half-acre in size and contained in about 30 minutes.

Flames and smoke came close to roads, however no road or lane closures were issued.

Officials say no structures were threatened and no property was damaged."

Above: Credit - KHON2

Remote Brush Fire Above Nanakuli Challenges Fire Crews

From the Source:

"Firefighters had a difficult time reaching the fire and asked staff from nearby Camp Timberline and Monsanto to help them gain access to the blaze, Yamada said. 

The fire was first reported around 12:54 p.m. Sunday and about an hour later responders were still struggling with how to put it out." 

Two Wildfires Keep Oahu Fire Crews Busy (VIDEO)

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

Credit: Hawaii News Now

The Maili Fire was the largest wildfire between 2008-2012 that burned during the kau season. 

About 1,000 acres burned starting near residences at Kulawae Street and up mauka.

From the Source:

"Honolulu fire crews were kept busy Sunday after wild fires broke out in Kunia and Maili.

The Maili blaze broke out at around 2:30 p.m. near Kulawae Street. The fire is near a residential area, but no evacuations had been ordered. The fire reportedly has spread up the mountain."

From the Source:

“There were fireballs everywhere,” said Eric Enos, co-founder and executive director of Kaala Farm Cultural Learning Center. “Some of them hit the hale, and the grass went up in flames. The fire was so fierce.”

"Enos said fire destroyed much of its water pipe system that feeds numerous taro-patch terraces and other crops and vegetation on the property. Two PVC pipes — each a mile long — that supplied water to the center’s loi also were destroyed.

The taro patches are part of an ancient terrace system uncovered and restored by Enos and colleagues decades ago. 'Today the terraces are an important resource for educating people on traditional Hawaiian agricultural and sustainability practices,' Enos said."

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."

Makaha Valley Fire

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

"A firefighter waters down hot spots along a steep slope in Makaha Valley after this week's brushfire, which started Tuesday night and was mostly extinguished by late yesterday afternoon." (Jeff Widener/Honolulu Advertiser)

The Makaha Valley Fire was the largest wildfire between 2003-2007 that burned during the hooilo season. Pay close attention to the description of the changing weather patterns and vegetation conditions that led up to the fire. Sounds a lot like El Niño 2016!

From the Source:

"'It was just a small fire when we first saw it but it went berserko in a matter of minutes," DeSoto said. "You know what happened last year. If it turns out to be a dry spring and summer, given the amount of rain we had during the fall and all of the foliage that results from it, we could be in for another bad season again.'

Speculation among DeSoto's neighbors is that the fire is the result of someone igniting fireworks in the area."

"The brushfire scorched a mile-long area on the west side of Makaha Valley, burning off all the green and brown grass cover, along with hale koa scrub brush. From Farrington Highway, the charred earth extended along Kili Drive up to a large water tank.

The area burned had no structures, and firefighters struggled to control it because of the steep slopes and remote location. Tejada said it could have been a small fire, but winds caught it and sent it up the slope quickly."

"In 2005, arsonists set more than 700 brushfires on O'ahu. Seven arrests were made, but only one case is being prosecuted, in federal court."