Fire chief presents After-Action Report on Maui wildfires; recommends more stations, equipment

VIDEO: County of Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura and department leaders released the Department of Fire and Public Safety’s After-Action Report on the August 2023 Maui wildfires on Tuesday. The document, produced by the Western Fire Chiefs Association, covers all four major fires that began on Aug. 8, 2023. The document covers a time span that includes the pertinent conditions on Aug. 7, along with events and actions from Aug. 8-11, 2023, when the bulk of emergency response activity took place. “In the fire service, we don’t deliver perfection, but we do pursue it relentlessly,” said Chief Ventura. “Likewise, the After-Action Report (AAR) has 17 challenge areas identified and provides recommendations to strengthen our department.”
Maui Now

Hilo home destroyed in structure fire

No injuries were reported following a structure fire in Hilo early Tuesday morning. The call came in at 5:14 a.m. When Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the single-family dwelling on Kaumana Drive, it was engulfed in flames and the occupant of the residence had already evacuated. Deputy Chief Eric Moller said crews received reports that the blaze started in the kitchen. At least one explosion, suspected to be a propane tank, was heard. Kaumana Drive between Wilder Road and Amau Road was closed for about an hour. Fire inspectors responded to the scene as well as Hawaiian Electric due to a down power line as well as the gas company. Moller said the home was a total loss. A vehicle also appeared damaged by the flames.
Big Island Now

Maui fires After-Action Report expected from Maui Fire Department today

Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura is expected to present the Department of Fire and Public Safety's After-Action Report, which was produced by the Western Fire Chiefs Association today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted MFD in determining the cause of the fire. The Attorney General contracted the Fire Safety Research Institute to investigate a timeline of events on Aug. 8, 2023, or Phase 1 of the report. FSRI said the Phase One report, which is expected to be presented on April 17, will analyze how the fire incident unfolded, based on science, during the first 24 to 72 hours of the fire and its aftermath, and includes a comprehensive timeline of events. The analysis will be included in Phase Two.
KHON-TV FOX/CW 2 Honolulu

Mayor Blangiardi recognizes dispatchers, unseen heroes of Honolulu law enforcement

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi recognized the unseen heroes of law enforcement on Monday. Alongside Mayor Blangiardi, representatives from public safety agencies gathered at the Joint Traffic Management Center to mark National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The week honors dispatchers who are first in line to provide vital assistance and guidance when responding to 911 calls. “They are the unsung heroes who serve as the first point of contact during times of crisis, and work tirelessly to dispatch our firefighters quickly and efficiently,” explained HFD Battalion Chief Shawn Kuratani. “Their efforts extend far beyond the call, they are the backbone of the firefighting operations who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless communication and coordination.”
KHON-TV FOX 2 Honolulu