Article Author:
Associated Press
Caleb Jones
HONOLULU (AP) — Massive wildfires in rural Hawaii's Big Island do not threaten homes, but high winds and Extremely dry conditions make it difficult for the crew to contain the flames.
The fire broke out at the western end of the US Army's Pohakuloa training range, above the town of Waikoloa and between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes.
The fire was burning over 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) as of Thursday.
Severe wildfires like those in Hawaii highlight the heat and drought hazards associated with climate change for many communities in hot spots in the western United States and around the world. But experts say relatively small fires on typically wet tropical islands in the Pacific are also on the rise, damaging ecosystems that affect critical and limited resources for millions of people.
State land officials said the fires actually started weeks ago and smoldered until high winds fanned the blazes this week.
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The area is dominated by dry shrubs and grasslands due to prolonged drought.
"This fire is so serious that this entire team of first responders must collectively contain the advance," said Kevin, commander of the U.S. Army Post Pohakuloa Training Range. Colonel Cronin said in a statement.
Strong winds have been recorded in the region, some exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h).
“Weather conditions are making this battle difficult to slow the progress of the fires. I'm here," said Cronin.
The fire is now burning on state property, about a mile off U.S. Route 190, according to Big Island county officials.
The town of Waikoloa, on the other side of Route 190, was evacuated last year when more than 70 square miles (181 square kilometers) burned in the state's largest-ever wildfires.
Federal, state and local firefighters are trying to contain the blaze. The crew uses bulldozers to create a firebreak, and several helicopters from various agencies are dropping water on the fire.
The Hawaii Department of Homeland and Natural Resources released a video of the fire on Thursday.
An Army spokesperson told his Associated Press that the cause of the fire is under investigation, although there are active military drills in the area.
"There are units in training there. We cannot confirm or deny that there was live fire," said Michael O. Donnelly said. "This is business as usual, but we don't know the exact cause."
The National Weather Service issued a red flag for fire conditions in the area through Thursday night.
