Part 1: After-Action Report Maui Wildfires

Dive into Maui Fire Department’s After-Action Report for the August 2023 wildfires with Fire Chief Bob Roper and Kim Zagaris on WFCA’s Fire Headlines Podcast.

In this episode, explore the After-Action Report (AAR) of the Maui wildfires that ravaged the island in August 2023. The AAR, produced by the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) and released on April 16, 2024, provides critical insights into the challenges faced and lessons learned during this catastrophic event. Fire Headlines host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Bob Roper, WFCA’s Senior Policy Advisor and Lead Content Author of the AAR, and Chief Kim Zagaris, WFCA’s Senior Operations Advisor and Subject Matter Expert. Their experience and expertise offer invaluable perspectives on the Maui wildfires and the subsequent review process.

Crafting the AAR

Chief Roper shares his insights into the meticulous process of crafting the AAR. He emphasizes the collaborative effort involved, highlighting the 200+ interviews conducted both within and outside the Maui Fire Department. These interviews provided firsthand accounts of the challenges encountered, particularly the unprecedented complexity of facing four simultaneous wildfires on an island with limited resources.

Chief Zagaris sheds light on the spirit of the Maui community during their visit. He then describes the preparations leading up to the wildfires, including the impact of hurricane warnings and red flag alerts.

August 2023

As the fires erupted, Maui’s firefighters faced daunting conditions exacerbated by extreme winds, reaching speeds of 60-80 miles per hour. Despite these challenges, the resilience and dedication of the firefighters and first responders shone through, with tales of heroic actions and civilian rescues emerging amidst the chaos.

The emotional toll of the wildfires was and still is significant, with Chief Roper emphasizing the heartbreaking stories of loss and devastation. Firefighters worked tirelessly, often for 36-48 hours straight, grappling with the realization that some situations were beyond their control.

You can find the AAR on the County of Maui’s website: https://www.mauicounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/146279/2023-Wildfire-After-Action-Report

You can email Fire Headlines at [email protected].

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