HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT FY 23-24 AUGUST
2023 | AUGUST FISCAL YEAR 23-24
FIRE CHIEF’S
REPORT
V Hawai’i Fire Department
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501
Hilo, Hawai’i 96720
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
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2023 | AUGUST
August 8th .............................................................................................................. 2
Budget .................................................................................................................. 4
Fiscal Year 2023-2024 ...................................................................................... 4
Personnel Report ..................................................................................................... 5
Internal Recruitment within Department ................................................................ 5
Open-Competitive Recruitment ........................................................................... 5
Classification ................................................................................................... 5
Operations ............................................................................................................ 6
Statistics and Analytics ......................................................................................... 6
Emergency Operations Highlights ............................................................................ 7
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi ..................................................................................... 7
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi ................................................................................... 7
Special Operations ............................................................................................... 8
Support Services ..................................................................................................... 9
Emergency Medical Services Branch ......................................................................... 9
Training Services Branch ...................................................................................... 10
Volunteer Training Section ..................................................................................... 11
Fire Prevention Branch ......................................................................................... 13
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle Maintenance Section ....................... 13
Emergency Communications .............................................................................. 13
Vehicle Maintenance Shop ................................................................................. 14
Information Technology Highlights ...................................................................... 15
TABLE OF
CONTENTS:
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2023 | AUGUST
AUGUST 8TH
For the better part of a week, we saw the accumulation of several factors that raised the
attention of wildland responders of the threat that the atmospheric conditions were combining
into a “worst case” scenario for much of the island. Hurricane Dora was predicted to pass
south of the islands while a high-pressure system was settling in north of the islands. This was
anticipated to create a vortex that had meteorologists anticipating winds of greater than
50mph and gusting as high as 80mph. This, coupled with extreme dry conditions, KDBI of 600,
prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag warning for most of the island
between 8/7 and 8/9.
02:46 – On 8 August 2023, HFD Dispatch receives a
call from a motorist that was on the Akoni Pule
Highway, between mile markers 7 and 8, reporting
that there was visible smoke and flame in 10x10 foot
grassy area on the side of the road. The winds were
gusting, and the fire was growing. Companies 14,
15, and 9 were included on the initial response. It
was reported that the fire was approximately a ½
acre in size and burning in grass/shrub mix.
Company 14, first on scene, began a direct attack
on the fire which was being pushed by gusty winds
which kept changing directions. The Battalion Chief
requested T16 and the Volunteers to respond at 03:43. At 03:47, the fire jumped the Akoni
Pule Highway and was burning on both sides of the road. Conditions continued to deteriorate
as the winds continued to strengthen. At 03:52, the decision to evacuate residents from the
path of the fire was made. This totaled 546 homes from the threatened subdivisions.
Throughout the morning additional units were brought in to bring the fire under control. At the
height of the fire there were 32 apparatus and more than 75 personnel.
05:02 – HFD Dispatch received a
report of a brush fire in the
Lalamilo Farm Lots, District 09
Waimea. Hawaii Fire Department
(HFD) personnel from M09, E08,
BR08, E17, BR17, BR01, T03, C1,
BC2, F2 were the primary
response along with Volunteer
Companies 08A, 09B, 09A, 16B
and Company 50. Winds were
approximately 40-50 mph and the
fire spread towards the Southwest
from the area of origin. At the
height of the fire there were 19
Apparatus and 49 personnel. This
fire threatened 36 structures and
could have had an impact in area
electrical services.
15:25 – HFD Dispatch received a report of two brush fires burning adjacent to Spencer Beach
Park and the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. It was reported that the two fires were growing rapidly
and spreading towards the beaches. E14, T14, E16, E9, T9, T15 and BC2. At 15:35 the decision
to evacuate the Mauna kea Beach resort was made, impacting approximately 220 homes. An
intense firefighting effort was made in and around structures and critical resources. Numerous
apparatus were reassigned from the Lalamilo and Akoni Pule Fires.
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2023 | AUGUST
Impacts: With any large fire, let alone 4 burning simultaneously, there will
be impacts. The most common hazards that are realized following these fires
are the loss of vegetation, soil erosion, run-off impacts, and invasive/non-
native species re-vegetation pressures. Additionally, when the fire burns
within and around structures and infrastructure, capital losses are often
realized. Where there was damage to several residences, no homes were lost
in any of the fires. This is a credit to the aggressive and coordinated attack
of the fire response crews. Unfortunately, there were losses to industrial and
commercial structures, as well as infrastructures such as bridges, power, and
waterlines.
Conclusions: This was a herculean effort by
many organizations. Responders included the
HFD, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, US Fish
and Wildlife, National Park Service, Pōhakuloa
Training Area, and community volunteers. This
list additionally includes the various County,
State and Federal partnerships which supported
this effort. Numerous lessons have been
gleaned from this series of events and has
resulted to several changes to the pre-event
posture and the response order during Red Flag
events. The biggest change these fires have
impacted is in how we preplan for these events.
As global temperatures increase, the size and
frequency of these fires is anticipated to be a
more common occurrence. We are taking steps
to prepare for this eventuality and developing
measures to mitigate the anticipated risks.
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2023 | AUGUST
BUDGET
Fiscal Year 2023-2024
COUNTY Adj
Appropriation
YTD
Expenditures % Used Goal
S&W ONLY $40,379,243.00 $8,048,223.51 19.93% 20.83%
OCE $6,370,972.15 $1,609,247.65 25.26% 16.67%
EQUIPMENT $1,773,034.89 $385,652.15 21.75% 33.33%
TOTAL $48,523,250.04 $10,043,123.31 20.70%
State-Funds
EMS
State grant award for FY 2024 remains at the same level as FY 2023 for a total of
$23,184,337.
Hāpuna Beach State Park
State grant award pending for FY 2024.
Kua Bay, Kekaha Kai State Park
State grant award pending for FY 2024.
Federal Funds
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
Federal Grant of $3,511,641 for six (6) Captain positions and three (3) Fire Fighter positions for
36 months. As of 8/31/2023, we have expended 60.96% of the grant funds with 17 months
remaining.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $156,120 (with County match of $156,120) for FY 2023. This grant
includes funds for two laptops, personal protective equipment, hoses and fittings, firefighting
foam, a brush truck for Volunteer Station 20A and training. The bid for the brush truck for
Volunteer Station 20A was awarded to Orchid Isle Auto Center for $177,674.27. The grant
period is extended through March 31, 2024. There is 6% of the grant award remaining.
USDA, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, State & Private Forestry
Federal grant award of $278,590 (with County match of $278,590) for FY 2024, for a total
award of $557,180. We will use the funds to purchase PPE and three brush trucks.
FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
Federal grant award of $494,900 (with County match of $49,490) for the period August 29,
2022, through August 28, 2024. The award for 17 30-pound Washer/Extractors and 21
Cabinet Air Dryers was awarded to Hawaii PPE Services, LLC in June. The grant is 71%
expended as of 8/31/23.
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2023 | AUGUST
PERSONNEL REPORT
Internal Recruitment within Department
Fire Rescue Specialist
Assessment center has not been scheduled yet.
Fire/EMS Specialist II
Internal recruitment will open on September 10, 2023 and will close on September 19, 2023.
Fire/EMS Specialist I
Fire Fighter David De Carvalho, Fire Fighter Aaron Knell, and Fire Fighter Tyson Pili reallocation
to Fire/EMS Specialist I effective September 16, 2023.
Open-Competitive Recruitment
Fire Safety Specialist
DHR referred five names. Interviews have been scheduled for three candidates on October 2,
2023.
Fire Communications Officer I
Pending letter of interest and realistic job preview to be sent out.
Fire Fighter Recruit
New recruitment opened on August 27, 2023 and closed on September 5, 2023. Pending
referred names from DHR.
Fire/EMS Recruit
New recruitment will open on September 10, 2023 and will close on September 19, 2023.
Professional Trainee I
Makena Ahuna hired effective September 1, 2023.
Senior Account Clerk
Lene Labrador promotion effective September 16, 2023.
Account Clerk
Kelly Lee hired effective September 18, 2023.
Water Safety Officer I
Interviews held on August 25, 2023 for nine candidates.
Classification
One Accountant I temporary reallocation to Professional Trainee I effective September
1, 2023.
One Water Safety Officer I reinstated to Water Safety Officer II effective September 1,
2023.
Three Fire Fighter positions reallocated to Fire/EMS Specialist I effective September 16,
2023.
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2023 | AUGUST
OPERATIONS
Statistics and Analytics
Total Calls for Calendar Year 2023
Type August % YTD %
Fire 119 4% 749 4%
Overpressure, Rupture, Explosion- no fire 0 0% 3 0%
Rescue and EMS 1,912 71% 14,910 72%
Hazardous Cond. (no fire) 22 1% 197 1%
Service Call 175 6% 1,347 7%
Good Intent calls 450 17% 3,150 15%
False Alarm / False calls 29 1% 237 1%
Severe Weather 0 0% 6 0%
Special Incident Type 3 0% 13 0%
Other (not completed yet) 0 0% 0 0%
Totals 2,710 100% 22,027 100%
Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Est. 2023
Total Calls 25,331 26,869 25,015 27,398 29,594 33,041
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2023 | AUGUST
Response Times CY 2023
Statistic August % that meet.… YTD % that meet...
Avg. Turn out time (Fire) 3:33 (80 sec.) 9.79% 3:25 (80 sec.) 9.79%
Avg. Turn out time (EMS) 2:28 (60 sec.) 14.97% 2:28 (60 sec.) 13.85%
Statistic August % that meet 4 min. YTD % that meet 4 min
Avg. Response Time (Fire) 13:07 20.17% 11:49 20.32%
Avg. Response Time (EMS) 9:06 33.00% 9:16 31.30%
Fire Impacts CY 2023
Call Type August YTD
Wildland calls (140, 141, 142, 143) 27 145
Acres burned 1201 3,417
Structure Fires (110 & 111) 6 56
Property and Contents - Loss $1,152,725.00 $5,123,030.00
Property and Contents - Save $514,775.00 $1,495,515.00
Other fires (all other 100 series) 86 548
Property and Contents - Loss $7,500.00 $143,300.00
Property and Contents - Save $2,500.00 $3,000.00
Emergency Operations Highlights
Battalion 1, East Hawaiʻi
8/9, Inc#18740, 18742 Brush Fires: Naalehu/ Pahala District 11, no injuries or fatalities.
Pahala Fire suspicious in nature.
8/11, Inc#18922, Rescue: South Point/District 11, swimmer in distress, one victim self-
rescued, no injuries, or fatalities.
8/13, Inc #19050, Structure Fire: 87 Kawailani St/District 03, structure fire at
restaurant while closed with no reports of injuries or fatalities.
8/29, Inc#20409, Rescue: Shipman Beach, Haʻena/District 5, swimmer in distress, 1
fatality.
Battalion 2, West Hawaiʻi
8/6, Inc #18431 Swimmers in Distress: Mahukona – rescued by company 15, Ski2, boats
in area, C2
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2023 | AUGUST
8/8, Inc# 18595, 18601, 18648 Brush Fires – Akoni Pule (750 ac.), Lalamilo (20 ac.), and
Mauna Kea Beach (390 ac.) High winds, multiple structures threatened, 1 loss at Mauna
Kea, no reported injuries or fatalities.
8/16, Inc# 19360 Rescue: Hiker Fell – Waimea, White rd., 18 y.o. male trespassing on
illegal hiking trail, fell 80ft, multiple injuries.
Special Events: 9/19 Joy Mills Surf for Special Needs event at Kahalu’u beach. Kailua, Keauhou
stations and Ocean Safety assisted.
Special Operations
Haz-Mat
Finalizing specifications for new Hazmat 4 apparatus and pickup trucks for both
stations.
Kaumana ACE ID and Hazmat ID units completed repairs.
Ocean Safety
WSO I Recruitment PAE and interviews completed on August 21 and 25.
Jr Lifeguard program: 16 participants and 3 Instructors attended the state
championships on August 19 on Oahu.
Preparing for new Clerk recruitment
Rescue
RB7 (Radon) update. All scheduled repairs have been completed. The boat was taken
out in Hilo bay and tested. All repaired components works well. Completing minor
trailer repairs and it will be placed in service. Trailer fenders need replacement.
Finalizing X-Vehicle specs for both stations
Incident heat map for August 2023
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2023 | AUGUST
SUPPORT SERVICES
Emergency Medical Services Branch
Controlled Substance Authorization Certification Renewal
We are currently working with the State Narcotics Enforcement Division to renew our controlled
substance authorization certifications (Chapter 329 HRS). Once we receive the new
certifications, it will be distributed to all medic stations for posting.
New Cargo Delivery Truck
Our new cargo delivery truck has arrived and will
replace our current 12-year-old delivery truck.
This bid was awarded to International Trucks of
Hawaii at $110,417. This cargo truck is used
weekly to deliver EMS and warehouse supplies to
all stations across the island. It was purchased
with FY 22-23 funds.
Panasonic Toughbook Technology Seminar
Personnel from the EMS Branch attended the Panasonic Toughbook Technology Seminar in
Honolulu that was held on August 15, 2023. This seminar focused on upcoming ESO updates
and new computer hardware.
Hands-Only CPR Training
EMS Branch personnel assisted with a Hands-Only CPR training for the Waiakeawaena
Elementary School staff. Approximately 70 people participated in this training.
Fall 2023 Paramedic Class
Our Fall 2023 paramedic class has begun and we have a total of 9 personnel enrolled in this
class.
Ka’u Hospital Quarterly Meeting
The EMS Branch participated in our quarterly operations meeting with Ka’u Hospital. This
meeting focused on a review of operational protocols, critical case reviews, and required
chapter 72 pharmaceuticals.
New Helicopter In-Service Training
EMS Branch personnel are assisting with our new helicopter in-service training for the
department. The training objectives and schedule will be distributed shortly.
Community Paramedicine Program
Our Community Paramedicine program continues to address high utilizers of the 911 system.
West Hawaii Kupuna Expo
The EMS Branch participated in the West Hawaii Kupuna Expo held at the West Hawaii Civic
Center on Friday, August 25, 2023.
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2023 | AUGUST
Training Services Branch
Recruit Class 52
Hawai’i Fire Department Recruit Class
52 started their year-long training
process on August 1. The class is
comprised of 20 total firefighter
recruits, with 18 HFD, 1 HI-DOT ARFF,
and 1 Pohakuloa Fire and Emergency
Services candidates. The class has
completed a significant portion of
Essentials of Firefighting in accordance
with Job Performance Requirements set
forth in NFPA 1001 and will be gearing
up for written and practical skills
examinations to obtain Pro-Board
Firefighter I certification.
Engine Company Operations I
Captain Keone Roback attended Engine Company Operations I at the Fire Department Training
Network in Fairland, Indiana. The class consisted of three days of live-fire evolutions, to include
fire streams, hose deployments, fire suppression, multi-story buildings, and stairwell
operations. Fire Department Training Network is one of the premiere training centers in the
nation with highly experienced and published instructors.
Virtual Training
Training provided three on-duty virtual training sessions to Operations personnel to digitize
and improve data collection and documentation pertaining to structural firefighting, driver
training, HAZMAT, and officer training. The “ISO: HFD Drill Report” initiative should provide
more detailed reporting on training, improve operational safety, and provide the County with
increased protection against litigation.
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2023 | AUGUST
HFD Personnel Recognized
Firefighter Jordan Victorine was recognized while
instructing Recruit Class 52 by Captain Mark
Stephenson of Pohakuloa Fire and Emergency
Services for off-duty actions taken to assist at a
critical motor vehicle collision with multiple
occupants entrapped on April 11, 2023 at mile
marker 18 of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Firefighter Victorine was awarded the Hurst Green
Cross for effecting a successful vehicle extrication
rescue of a pinned victim. Several other off-duty
personnel stopped on scene to assist and provide
triage. On-duty HFD personnel were also
recognized in the nomination letter for exceptional
service to include Captain James Pacheco and
Company 4, Medic 3, Medic 5, and AMR 1.
Volunteer Training Section
Support at Recent Brush Fires
Volunteer Companies 7-Bravo Kalaoa, 8-Alpha Pa’auilo, 9-Alpha Waiki’i, 9-Bravo Kanehoa,
14-Alpha Kohala, and 16-Bravo Pu’uanahulu all played an instrumental role in ensuring the
amount of land and structures lost was kept to a bare minimum during the Lalamilo, Kohala
Ranch, and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel wildland fires. Had it not been for these volunteer
companies' presence, the wildland fires' outcome would have been significantly worse. Over
the course of several days that the operational period ran for these fires, these volunteer
firefighters logged over 400 man-hours supporting fire operations.
AHA Heartsaver Training
The process of training Volunteer Firefighters in the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver
First Aid/CPR/AED began in July and continued into August. It required the completion of an
online training course as well as an in-person CPR evaluation.
1-Alpha (Pepeekeo)
Performed a monthly training where they inspected and serviced their power tools, hydraulic
tools, and performed station maintenance.
5-Charlie (Fern Forest)
responded to multiple callouts for vehicle/structure fires, a brush fire caused by downed utility
lines, and even went to the Ka’u South Point brush fire.
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2023 | AUGUST
5-Delta (Fern Acres)
Responded to multiple callouts for vehicle and nuisance fires. Two new volunteers were added
with two more in process.
7-Bravo (Kalaoa)
Conducted 5 trainings and station maintenance on their own during the month of August. They
also responded to a brush fire on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and another brush fire on
Hualalai Road.
8-Alpha (Pa’auilo)
Responded on 8/21/23 via POV to “wires down with possible brush fire” in Pa’auilo Mauka.
The volunteers were first on the scene and reported there was no arcing and no fire. Captain 8
stood down all other responding units via their report and assisted in firefighting operations at
the Kukuihaeli Brush Fire and Pa’auilo Mauka Brush Fire. They were also toned out to six other
small rubbish fires.
9-Alpha (Waiki’i)
Held blessing of the new Tanker 9A at Waiki’i Ranch on 8/27/2023. The truck was blessed by
Kumu Akaka and funded by the community's generous donations. Company 9-Alpha
conducted one other training on their own with their new tanker.
9-Bravo (Kanehoa)
Conducted 3 wet drills on their own during the month of August.
10-Delta (Ainaloa)
Volunteer firefighter Sheldon Santiago
attended the Ainaloa Association
meeting and requested funding from
them to perform maintenance and
upkeep on the Volunteer building which
houses their vehicles and equipment.
Painting of the exterior is underway.
(Pictured: VFF Kevin Orozco – Co. 10
Delta)
11-Alpha (Na’alehu)
Held a monthly training at their station and assisted in multiple brush fires in Ka’u.
11-Charlie (Discovery Harbour)
Assisted in the multiple brush fires in Ka’u.
16-Bravo (Pu’uanahulu)
Conducted two Saturday trainings on 8/19 and 8/26. They also responded to a brush fire on
8/18.
20-Alpha (HOVE)
Responded to and assisted in firefighting operations at the South Point fire on 8/8-9/2023.
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2023 | AUGUST
Fire Prevention Branch
Highlights
The Fire Prevention branch investigated forty-six (46) complaints, conducted seventeen
(17) fire investigations and two (2) residential safety inspections, gave two (2) public
education presentations, and reviewed one-hundred seven (107) plans.
Fire Prevention Inspections
Inspection Type August FYTD
Commercial 73 102
Re-Inspections Commercial 30 61
Complaint Investigation 46 63
Fire Protection System Acceptance Testing 13 29
Educational 7 8
Re-Inspections Educational 0 0
Certificate of Occupancy 2 6
Tent Site Inspection 2 5
Fireworks Site and Storage 0 12
DOH Ag Burn Site Inspection 0 0
AST/UST/LPG Site Inspection 0 0
Occupancy Load Enforcement 0 0
Total 173 286
Logistics, Emergency Communications, and Vehicle
Maintenance Section
Emergency Communications
Fire Communications Officer I Class
We still have five FCO Is who are progressing and
started having more radio time.
Pictured: Captain Domingo supporting the
trainees in their live training.
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2023 | AUGUST
Hawai’i County Emergency Call Center
Construction continues on the new Hawai’i County Emergency Call Center, with occupancy
slated for May 2024. Photos provided by Assistant Chief Ian Chadwick.
Warehouse Help
FEO Gomes has been on light duty in warehouse and has been able to repair many stations
small equipment issues. We appreciate his mechanical skill set!
New Ordering System
The new store site is up and running. We are continuing to work through the growing pains of
yet another new ordering system. Thank you for your patience.
Records Requests
Our clerk L. Labrador completed 19 record requests for the month. Thank you!
In The Works
Multiple large projects are underway - replacement air bags, extrication tool replacements,
and bed replacements are some of them.
Vehicle Maintenance Shop
Apparatus and Equipment Repair Updates:
Type August
Repairs/Service Completed 83
Service/Trouble Calls 26
Contracted Out and Tows 11
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2023 | AUGUST
Information Technology Highlights
MDT installations for X08 and X09.
Completed virus scan of Fire Department computer as requested by IT Department due
to being flagged by county’s firewall
Joint Communication Center meetings
Viper (Intrado) upgrade project meeting
Haihai station site visit with Civil Defense about fire station radio setup.
Attended Panasonic Technology Conference in Oahu
Panasonic meeting about ESO (DOH mandated medical record reporting software)
upgrades on State of Hawai’i managed Toughbooks for medics
Fire hydrant mapping for Waikoloa Village to be added in to Spillman. New CAD
workstations (for fire and police) initial specs for Joint Communication Center.
Completion of RFP for new NFIRS software vendor.
Finalize new eCommerce site and timeline established for site switchover.
END REPORT