Stopping wildfires parallels containing invasive species
“It’s like fighting a wildfire.” This analogy is often used to explain the key elements of an invasive species strategy. Staff from the Maui Invasive Species Committee gained a deeper understanding of the concept as they joined on-the-ground efforts on a portion of the Upcountry fire.
Both kinds of campaigns require understanding what is driving the situation; evaluating the terrain to determine how best to deploy limited ground and aerial resources; using buffers, or fire lines to stop the spread; and continued vigilance during the mop-up phase to prevent hot spots from becoming new conflagrations. Other comparisons of operations and resources are possible, but what seems most profound as we try to make sense of what has happened to Maui are the elements of time, loss and community.
Invasive species will grow beyond control if not addressed in time. When that happens, we forever lose parts of what we once cherished as “home,” whether that is quiet nights, being outside without stinging ants or hearing the song of birds that were present when the first Hawaiians stepped onto the island.
For Lahaina, there was not enough time once the town ignited. The loss is immeasurable and incomprehensible.
As the nation turned its attention to Maui, some media outlets reached out to MISC, exploring the link between invasive species and the fire. There isn’t a simple answer. We know that Hawaiian forests are not fire-adapted, leaving them vulnerable to increasing amounts of nonnative, fire-prone vegetation. This risk is being exacerbated by a warming and drying climate. We also know that efforts to restore native ecosystems impacted by invasive species can’t reset the clock— we can never truly regain what was lost. It takes decades of sustained, organized effort. But it’s worth it to try.
We cannot bring back the lives that were lost or the homes transformed to ash by these fires. But what MISC staff witnessed Upcountry gives us hope. Trucks loaded with water hogs were in constant motion delivering water from fire hydrants to teams of people hosing down hot spots. Individuals wielded chain saws and shovels to make fire lines along the edges of a gulch. People went door to door on affected streets, checking to see if anyone needed help. Construction crews, arborists, groups of young people and single individuals just showed up, wanting to help.
No infestation will be eradicated, or fire extinguished without dedicated, trained, capable people driving the effort. On Maui those resources include the exceptional first-line responders from the Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the National Park Service, Maui County’s Air One helicopters and others, including the behind-thescenes people mobilizing equipment and crews, ensuring safety and keeping the communications flowing. These individuals worked even as some weren’t able to know if they still had a home or if their family members were safe.
There are many lessons yet to be learned from the fires. MISC is proud to be part of the community and is here to help however we can.
Teya Penniman is the interim manager for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. Lissa Strohecker is the outreach and education specialist for the Maui Invasive Species Committee. Kia‘i Moku, “Guarding the Island,” is prepared by the Maui Invasive Species Committee to provide information on protecting the island from invasive plants and animals that can threaten the island’s environment, economy and quality of life.