SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — In order to prevent brushfires and the threat they pose to over 30 species of endangered plants and animals, the Army will conduct a prescribed burn of the Schofield Barracks training range complex April 17-21, according to a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • The U.S. Army will conduct a prescribed burn of the Schofield Barracks training range complex April 17-21

  • Prescribed burns are part of the Army’s management of threatened and endangered species

  • Throughout the process, staff will monitor humidity levels, wind and the concentration of natural fuel in burn areas to minimize smoke and ash

  • Burn operations will only take place during the day

The Army’s specialized Wildland Fire Division will conduct the burn provided wind, temperature and moisture fall within the regulatory parameters. The Hawaii Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch gave its approval following extensive preparations that included coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure all state, federal and Army requirements were met.

Prescribed burns are part of the Army’s management of threatened and endangered species. Guinea grass and other vegetation are large fuel sources for brushfires that threaten the area’s natural resources such as the elepaio, the endangered flycatcher bird that resides above the training range.

“The prescribed fire takes approximately three days to complete, but pays dividends all year by helping prevent wildfire outbreaks on our training ranges and can reduce the number of wildfires by upwards of 70% annually,” said Justin Turnbo, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii’s fire management officer in the release.

Throughout the process, staff will monitor humidity levels, wind and the concentration of natural fuel in burn areas to minimize smoke and ash. They will use smoke modeling software to detect the amount of smoke produced, as well as direction and adjust as needed.

“Controls on the smoke duration and amounts are very important and we will be monitoring weather data, smoke production and fire behavior to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed,” said Turnbo. “We will be taking all feasible precautions to lessen potential impacts on our neighbors.”

Army firefighters, aviators, engineers, range and safety officers, natural and cultural resources specialists, explosive ordinance disposal personnel and law enforcement personnel will be supporting the burn.

The burn will only take place during the day. Army Wildland firefighters will remain on site each night to monitor the area. The Federal Fire Department will also be on standby throughout the operation.

Members of the community can contact the Army’s Public Affairs office with questions at 808-656-3160 or email usarmy.hawaii.pao@army.mil.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.