Risk of brushfires during dry season worries officials
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Here are some brushfire safety tips from the Honolulu Fire Department: • Report hazardous conditions, such as campfires left smoldering, dry and overgrown vegetation, branches hanging too close to utility wires, and unauthorized rubbish and vegetation dumping. • Protect your home by ensuring that fire trucks and equipment have ready access to the property and that the address is noticeably displayed. Clean roof gutters often, and prevent dry materials and vegetation from accumulating around the house. Install smoke detectors on each level of the home and in every sleeping area. Test detectors monthly and change the batteries once a year. • Create a safety zone around your home by mowing grass regularly, clearing out combustible materials, and storing gasoline, oily rags and flammable items in approved safely cans in a safe location. • Put together an emergency plan that includes such things as when to dial 911; establishing procedures for shutting off water, gas and electricity; delineating escape routes; and agreeing on meeting places for family members should they become separated.
The first day of summer isn't until June 21, but dry conditions have fire officials and weather forecasters concerned about the possibility of dangerous wildfires.
Safety tips for brushfires
Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kenison Tejada said the number of brushfires so far this year has "not been out of the ordinary." But he said that if the dry weather continues, things could get worse.
"It's not as dry as it's going to get," Tejada said. "There's still some traces of green, so there's still some moisture left in grass. But after about another two to three weeks of clear, dry weather, then it's going to be really dry."
The frequency of brushfires usually increases during the summer months. Although very few have caused property damage, the fires often tax Fire Department resources.
Last July, 50 brushfires were reported in a two-day period, forcing the department to shift firefighters from other areas on O'ahu to fill in at Leeward and Central O'ahu stations. On the Fourth of July, there were 31 brushfires, of which 29 were fireworks-related.
The summer forecast by the National Weather Service isn't very encouraging.
Lead forecaster Bob Farrell said the forecast for June through August is for above-normal temperatures and lower-than-normal rainfall for O'ahu. Such dry weather could continue into early fall, he said.
"I don't claim to be an expert in fire starting, but I would assume there was a lot of grass that grew and now it's turning brown, (so) we probably would have a fairly big problem, especially over on the Wai'anae and Leeward sides," Farrell said. "It's probably tinder-dry over there and unless you get some rain, things don't look too good."
