To improve wildfire response, Oahu first responders are now focused on the ‘worst-case scenario’
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - In the year since the Lahaina wildfire, a significant amount of attention has been placed on training staff within Honolulu’s emergency management agency so that no matter who’s in charge when disaster strikes, they’ll have the know-how to do the job.
Honolulu Fire Chief Kalani Hao said his department has also made significant changes, in part based on lessons learned from Lahaina.
“By nature, we always think worst-case scenario. And I guess now, that (Lahaina) is the worst-case scenario.” Hao said. “So when we come up with our plans, contingency plans, and our planning process, it just reminds us that we have to take it to the nth-degree.”
HFD’s fire chief says since Aug. 8, the Honolulu Fire Department reevaluated operations, changing the way it responds to all brush fires.
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“What we’ve done is start sending two engines and a tanker to all wildland calls to make sure we can get the resources there fast,” said Hao. “Before only one engine would be sent initially.”
A map published by the Pacific Fire Exchange pinpoints the places wildfires sparked between 1999 and 2018. While several broke out in East Honolulu and Wahiawa, the majority occurred on the west side — between Kapolei and Kaena Point — and mauka in the forest reserves.
“We’re working with HFD to identify locations across the island, especially up in the mountainous areas, where we put in what we call dip pads,” said Board of Water Supply spokesperson Kathleen Pahinui.
Or places where helicopters can refill water totes, cutting the distance crews have to fly in a fire emergency.
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Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply has also planed a review to install more fire hydrants, saying there’s a need — particularly in older communities where hydrant spacing no longer meets current standards.
In places on Oahu where fire hydrants either don’t exist or aren’t readily accessible, HFD says it’s tanker trucks are invaluable.
“Because it’s got the 1800 gallons of water,” said Honolulu Battalion Chief Ricardo Yost.
HFD says it’s using money in its current budget to purchase at least one additional tanker for a total of eight.
The department’s also behind a multitude of public information campaigns focused on fire planning and fuel reduction.
In terms of personnel changes, Honolulu Fire now increases its staffing during red flag warnings. On those days, the county will also activate its Emergency Operations Center if a wind advisory is also in effect.
“Prior to Lahaina the trigger was a little bit higher,” said Hiro Toiya, the head of Honolulu’s Emergency Management Agency. He said the county is currently working with the military to make the Kole Kole pass a viable evacuation route for the Waianae Coast. Work is also underway with private landowners in Makakilo to create an emergency road out of that community as well.
Another priority: More collaboration between departments and increased training for emergency management workers.
“A system cannot be dependent on me to function,” Toiya said.
“But rather we have to have these clear protocols in place so that regardless who’s on duty we get consistent results and do what we need to do to alert the public.”
When it comes to wildfire preparedness government can only do so much. It’s up to the public to develop their own emergency plans and safeguard private property. For that, HFD has a list of tips.
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