2024-05-06 Deborah Ward - Laserfiche WebLink

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Fire Suppression Capabilities and Resources6 Initial response to most fire, medical, and associated emergencies is the responsibility of the Hawaii County Fire Department. State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Federal,and landowner crews provide additional wildland fire fighting assistance. Although the County Fire Department has the following equipment,its resources are spread across the entire island of Hawaii.All of the equipment is not available for use in one specific district at one time due to geographic distance. For wildfire and rural use,the County Fire Department is equipped with ten water tenders deployed around the island,which have a total capacity of 13,850 gallons.In addition,they have acquired two special"brush"trucks for wildfire use.They operate a rescue helicopter and an ambulance helicopter that can provide bucket water drops when necessary.When more air support is needed,small and medium size private helicopters are hired.The National Guard maintains five large helicopters (Blackhawks) in Hilo,which have water bucket capabilities and have occasionally been hired by the State. However,water availability to support these aircrafts has been a problem.In addition to DLNR support,federal firefighters may be available from their station in the National Park and the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area. Training Resources and Needs Recommendations for additional training for firefighters include: • Basic Wildland Fire Training and Refresher Courses • Initial Attack Incident Command • Basic Fire Behavior • Helicopter Operations • Strategy and Tactics (S-336) • Basic and Intermediate Incident Command System(ICS) • Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-212) Emergency Management Documents and Plans The CWPP is non-regulatory and cooperative in nature.The plan provides (1) a foundation-for increased communication,coordination and collaboration among agencies and the public,(2) identification and prioritization of areas for hazardous fuel reduction projects and wildfire mitigation actions,and (3) assistance meeting federal and state planning requirements and qualifying for assistance programs'. The CWPP works in conjunction with other County and State plans and programs including but not limited to: County of Hawaii: Ka'u Community Development Plan.' Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.2 County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategies8 Ka`u to South Kona Water Master Plan4 10