SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 3 ⎯ Affected Environmentclear pattern in the time of ignition. A number of different pyrotechnic devices, including smoke grenades,simulators, and star clusters, as well as blanks were the ignition sources (USARHAW and 25thID [L] 2003). KTA is not a live-fire training area, and smoke grenades and other pyrotechnics arepermitted only in designated areas. Blank ammunition, short-range training ammunition (SRTA), andpyrotechnics are the only types of ammunition used. KTA depends on the closest responding forces,such as the City and County of Honolulu Fire Department, for first response and immediate FederalFire Department/Range Control response. There is one RAWS on KTA to aid in determining weatherconditions and the threat of wildfires.A wildfire risk analysis requires that a parcel of land be divided by significant barriers to fire, eithermanmade or natural, in order to create units that are then given a presuppression priority based onwildfire risk. Because there are no readily definable barriers within KLOA, discrete areas with assignedfire risks have not been developed. Generally, areas at low elevation are dominated by flammablealien species, while higher elevations are less fire prone (USARHAW and 25th ID [L]. 2003).Only one fire has been recorded at KLOA. It burned 125 hectares (310 acres) in September of 2000.The reported ignition source was hot brass/muzzle flash, and must have been caused by blank fire,since no other munitions are allowed at KLOA. Despite the size of this fire, blanks represent a verylow fire ignition threat based on the number of fires they have caused throughout the USAG-HI firehistory. No analysis for fire trends is possible at KLOA with such a limited data set (USARHAW and25th ID [L]. 2003). It depends on the closest responding forces, such as the City and County of HonoluluFire Department, for first response and immediate Federal Fire Department/Range Control response(USARHAW and 25th ID [L] 2001a). There are no RAWS on KLOA to aid in determiningweather conditions and the threat of wildfires. Details of past fire occurrence on KTA and KLOA(frequency, location, number, and size), ignition sources, and weather monitoring capabilities havebeen compiled (USAG-HI 2004).3.1.3.5 Pohakuloa Training AreaFire Management AreasFive wildfire management areas have been designated, based on existing and planned fuel managementcorridors (USARHAW and 25th ID [L] 2003). The ordnance impact area is not considered becauseprevention activities there are not possible and resources at risk are largely unknown. Each areawas assigned an ignition potential, fuels hazard, and habitat value, based on the best currently availableinformation. Representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and USAG-HIagreed on the ratings. The Kipuka Kalawamauna, Mauna Kea, and Kipuka Alala areas have a highwildfire prevention priority. The Keamuku Parcel and southwestern PTA area have a moderately highwildfire prevention priority.According to the IWFMP, fire protection in the fire management area includes firebreaks and fuelsmodification (USARHAW and 25th ID [L] 2003). Given the weather, topography, and fuel conditions,which make fire suppression at PTA difficult, implementing adequate prevention measures isall the more important for minimizing fire loss. Serviceable access roads and firebreaks should be ofhighest priority, as they can be reasonably implemented and provide an effective fire managementtool when properly planned and maintained. Existing roads will serve as firebreaks. Preconstructedfirebreaks need to be negotiable by four-wheel drive vehicles to facilitate fire and management access.All firebreak/fuelbreak measurements are additive. Most firebreaks at PTA will be combinedwith a fuelbreak to increase their effectiveness.February 2008 3–32 2/25th SBCT Final EIS