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Brush fire
risks run high
Firefighters warn that dry terrain
promises more hazards ahead
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With large sections of the state abnormally dry since March, residents living near heavily vegetated areas are being asked to prepare for brush fires.
On Oahu, firefighters have already responded to more than 240 brush fires so far this year, nearly triple the number of brush fires that occurred by this time last year.
Authorities are concerned this year's brush fire season could surpass the 2003 tally, when firefighters put out 982 fires. That year, firefighters had battled 272 brush fires by May 26.
The Fire Department fought about 80 to 90 fires by this time last year, with about 600 for all of 2004. A wet winter, followed by a dry spring, has created a volatile situation on the island.
"According to the weather reports, it's going to be a tough brush-fire season," Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman for the Honolulu Fire Department, warned.
Kevin Kodama, senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said predictions for a busy brush fire season mean that all residents need to be prepared, especially those who live in Leeward Oahu, Pearl City, Waimanalo, Salt Lake, Wahiawa, Hawaii Kai and the Mokapu Peninsula in Kaneohe.
"You don't want to prepare for it when the fire is already happening," he said.
A brush fire that occurred on the slopes of Punchbowl, trapping more than 300 people inside the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Saturday, has underscored the seriousness of their warnings.
So did a recent brush fire in Nanakuli that lasted for six days and scorched nearly 3,000 acres, affecting a number of Leeward Oahu residents who suffer from respiratory problems.
"You have to have an emergency plan for those people," Tejada said.
To start, Tejada said, residents should talk to neighbors to help prepare for a brush fire.
Authorities suspect most brush fires are intentionally set, but it is not easy connecting people to the blazes. Two weeks ago police arrested a 13-year-old boy who was seen starting a fire near Nanakuli Cemetery.
"We would hope those setting the brush fires realize that there is a larger cost. Someday it could be really serious," Tejada said. "The consequences could be serious not only for themselves, but for the population at large."
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www.honolulufire.org
Plan now for brush
fire emergencies
Create a safety zone around your home to lessen the dangers of brush fires damaging your house:>> Mow the grass regularly.
>> Rake and clear combustible vegetation such as leaves and twigs.
>> Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.
>> Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
>> Remove vines from the walls of buildings.
>> Clear an area around propane tanks and the barbecue.
>> Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish.
>> Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans in a safe location away from the base of the buildings.
>> Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach all structures on the property.
Prepare your family for wildfire emergency:
>> Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
>> Show family members how and when to shut off the water, gas and electricity at main switches.
>> Plan several escape routes away from your home by car and foot.
>> Pick meeting sites in the event family members are separated.
>> Make plans to take care of children in the neighborhood who might be left on their own.
>> Make of list of items to bring if advised to evacuate.
Source: Honolulu Fire Department
E-mail to City Desk
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