HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Fire Department has a warning about the dangers their aircraft, rescuers and victims face when there are slacklines rigged in mountainous areas–an occurrence that HFD said theyʻre observing an increase in.
“Due to the location of rescue and wildland fire emergencies, the HFD’s flight operations are primarily at a low-altitude in valleys or on ridgelines. Unmarked wires or lines in the path of our aircraft are nearly impossible to spot while the aircraft is moving and present a very serious hazard to our personnel that can result in injury or worse, death,” senior helicopter pilot Joshua Yeager stated in a news release.
The lines can collide with aircraft, rescuers, victims and water buckets that are hauled below the aircraft.
Slacklines can force an aircraft to divert their course, which can greatly impact life-saving efforts during rescues or fire incidents.
HFD asks the public to report the location of slacklines so units are aware by calling (808) 723-3473.