Maui Wildland Firefighting Training: April 17-24

Maui Fire Department training. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety begins wildland firefighting refresher training on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.

The “hands-on” training involves live fire, so nearby residents may see or smell smoke and see flames in the training areas.

The training comes ahead of the upcoming brush fire season, and department officials say it will help to reduce brush fire hazards in the neighboring communities by burning away fuel and creating a “safety buffer.”

The Launiupoko training areas is roughly 20 acres in size, north of Haniu Street and Punakea Loop and takes place on: Wednesday, April 17; Thursday, April 18; and Monday, April 22.

Training is also planned in Central Maui on a 20 acre plot about three miles east of the Puʻunēnē sugar mill on: Friday, April 19, Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24.

All training takes place between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Maui fire officials say the department has carefully planned these exercises and will take all necessary precautions to ensure that these training fires do not spread beyond their intended boundaries and that their impact on neighboring communities is minimized. Any nearby residents who are especially sensitive to smoke may benefit by keeping their windows closed, using air-conditioning, and electing to stay inside during the training.