Fire in Hawaii

It is always a gorgeous day in Hawaii. I love all of its beauty. The best part of all is taking the ones I love with me. I love searching for the private beaches, and I have found some amazing places. Every day is an adventure.

My husband, David, and I recently visited Maui. This island has its share of incredible scenery, but those who have been there know that it also has its dry and wild brush land as well. David and I were returning to our condo on the south of the island from our long winding ride from the north. It was an adventure for sure but I was ready for a rest. As we drove south on the Piilani highway we noticed a heavy thick smoke in front of us. Well, Curious George, as I like to call David, needed a better look at the fire that must have started minutes prior. We saw the fire had grown large and it was devouring all the wild brush in its way. David immediately turned onto the first street where the fire was threatening a row of homes. David’s first instinct was to see if he could help any homeowner, and I think he wanted to see the fire up close.

We stopped at a home where he saw a woman and her young son hosing the brush along the border of her home. Her husband had just moved their Honda and Mercedes onto the street. We could see him grab the other hose and water the brush as well. The fire shot up into the air right before our eyes. It was beautiful and very scary at the same time.

I turned to the lady and asked her if she would like to get her photos out of the house as the flames came closer. She just looked at me with confusion. I turned to her husband and asked if he would like to get his photos and other important items out of his home and he gave me an “I don’t know” shrug. I told him that David and I would man the hoses while they packed up, then they handed the hoses over to us and ran into the house. I think this was the first time they realized their home really could be taken by the fire. David and I continued to water and watch the fire. I could hear the couple run and shout throughout the house. I started getting nervous as the fire quickly made its way closer to us. I thought a few times we should run but then I looked at David and I knew he would know when we should go. I trust him and his almost 20 years experience on Search and Rescue.

Now the couple was rolling suitcase after suitcase out of their home and into the trunks of their cars. I was only too happy to think their photos were in them. After a short time we saw the brave firemen carrying their water lines. They put the fire out quickly. Hurray for heroes such as these! Even though we felt safe enough to turn the house hoses off, the couple agreed to keep their belongings in their cars in case hot spots reignited. David and I left but our adrenaline was still pumping. It was a great feeling to know this little family and their home will be safe…and all their photos, too.