In the aftermath of a wildfire that ravaged a rural neighborhood in the Maui mountain town of Kula, residents were committed to taking preventive measures to avoid future disasters. With the help of donated hoses and impromptu training sessions, some residents even learned how to operate a standpipe to fight flames themselves if necessary.
A self-reliant mindset emerged following the August blaze last year, which destroyed 19 homes in Upcountry. Since then, the people of Kula have been determined to make all necessary preparations for any potential future emergencies.
Mark Ross, who lost a rental property in the fire and had received training on tapping the standpipe from a retired fireman using donated hoses to extinguish hot spots, emphasized the importance of vigilance among residents. He described the training as a vital resource for everyone who continues to reside in the neighborhood.
While the Kula fire was smaller in scale compared to the catastrophic wildfire that struck Lahaina, the community’s response has been a model of grassroots recovery efforts. Residents remained vigilant for months to guard against flare-ups, cleared debris, installed surveillance cameras to monitor fire risks, and initiated projects to restore burned forests by establishing a nursery for native plants.
Community initiatives, such as the formation of Malama Kula, a nonprofit organization that supports fire victims and enhances fire prevention measures, exemplify the proactive approach taken by Kula residents. The organization has installed advanced smoke detection cameras and emphasizes the importance of community-driven actions to ensure safety.
Efforts to safeguard the water system and address infrastructure vulnerabilities have also been a priority for residents. Following the water supply issues during the previous fire, improvements have been made to ensure a reliable water supply in case of emergencies.
The collaboration and proactive measures taken by Kula residents reflect a deepening sense of community resilience and preparedness, as they work towards restoring and protecting their environment for future generations.
