Kona Kona fire ADVERTISING Response time rationale explained In your article on Thursday about the fire near the Pines, I would like to say that Mr. Kitchen has no complaints. He noticed a fire and did not report it. Wow,
Kona fire
Response time rationale explained
In your article on Thursday about the fire near the Pines, I would like to say that Mr. Kitchen has no complaints. He noticed a fire and did not report it.
Wow, what a relief he does not live near us. He claims he saw the fire and did nothing.
Now, consider what has happened, a private citizen saw the fire, checked it out and determined it out of control, one or two minutes. Then he finds a phone, 15 seconds to several minutes, then they call 911, where the operator determines what is wrong, where it is and what type of initial response is needed; this takes one or two minutes — that is assuming all goes well.
The 911 operator passes this to the proper station, which is a little under a mile and a half away.
It will take 90 seconds to get dressed in protective gear and start the truck/engines and roll. It will take another two to four minutes to get through traffic, because it is heavy in that area.
Finally, they are on the scene but must access the problem and determine priorities and problems. First is life and second is property protection.
Assuming the first responder is on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, he may not be able to view the whole scope of the fire; this may take another one or two minutes.
Then there is access and positioning of equipment, (that can take up to five minutes). Life then property are the priorities. The grass will grow again.
So, Mr. Kitchen, you need to go to the bakery and buy several pies and go to the firehouse and thank the crew who saved your house and your neighbors’ houses and lives, but I would not tell them your real name.
God bless those brave young lads and lassies.
Dick Wagner
31-year volunteer fire captain
Louise Wagner
20-year volunteer fire support
Kona
