4/3/2025
Prescribed Burn Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Army to begin prescribed burn of Schofield training range complex April 13-19
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (April 01, 2025) — The Army will conduct its annual prescribed burn of the
Schofield Barracks training range complex, the week of April 13-19.
Prescribed burns are an essential part of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii’s natural resource management
program and are a safe and effective way to manage invasive vegetation that can fuel dangerous wildfires.
Highly flammable guinea grass and other vegetation can become large fuel sources for brushfires that
threaten natural resources, such as the O’ahu ‘Elepaio, the endangered flycatcher bird that resides in
habitat above the range.
"Prescribed burns are a vital tool for achieving multiple objectives," said Jacob Faber, wildland fire crew supervisor. "They help us preserve the natural environment, prevent uncontrolled wildfires, and maintainthe quality of our training ranges, which is essential for our Soldiers' preparedness."
Army staff will closely monitor humidity, wind and the level of concentration of natural fuel in the burn
areas to minimize smoke and ash. Throughout the burn, Army staff will use smoke modeling software to
detect direction and amount of smoke produced and make all necessary adjustments.
The burn is planned and executed by experts, including firefighters, aviators, engineers, range and safety
officers, resource specialists, and law enforcement, in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and the Hawaii Department of Health.
The prescribed burn will only take place during the day, with Army Wildland firefighters remaining onsite
each night to monitor the area. The Federal Fire Department will also be on standby during the burn.
"We're committed to being good neighbors while accomplishing our mission," said Faber. "This prescribed
burn demonstrates how we can balance environmental protection with the critical training requirements
of our Soldiers. We appreciate the community's understanding as we work to achieve both goals.
"
For questions and concerns, the public can contact the Public Affairs office at (808) 787-1528 or email
usarmy.hawaii.comrel@army.mil.
