On August 13, 2023, two SDF-trained human remains detection (HRD) search teams, Nick Bartel & Six and Ed Ruiz & Harper from California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) traveled to Maui along with their teammates, Celine Serrano & Prentiss to assist in the aftermath of wildfires that devastated the region in recent days. A few days later, on August 16, a third SDF-trained HRD team, Jon Munguia & Clifford (CA-TF2) also deployed to Maui to aid in recovery efforts.
In addition to these teams, SDF handlers Julie Padelford (CA-TF4) and Eric Darling (CA-TF5) were also deployed with their HRD dogs Rampage and Mazie, respectively, as part of a larger disaster response effort that includes teams from all over the United States.
Prior to deploying, the California Task Force 2 canine teams met at SDF’s campus to complete their pre-deployment medical clearances with SDF partners Ohana Pet Hospital. After receiving their all-clear and proper paperwork, the teams were ready to deploy with their task force. The next morning, they boarded a plane and headed for Maui to help with rescue and recovery efforts as part of the larger disaster response in the aftermath of the fire.
Hawaii was already under a red flag warning for fire risk when they saw numerous brush fires ignite in the first few days of August due to dry weather conditions and gusty winds. The brush fires were mostly minor and quickly contained, including a 30-acre fire in a field adjacent to Maui’s Kahului Airport on August 4. However, on August 8, intense winds began making containment of these fires much more difficult.
In Maui, a brush fire that started shortly after midnight caused residents to evacuate less than four hours later and burned 1,000 acres and 16 structures in its first day. At the same time high winds were stirring up flames, they were also knocking down utility poles, leaving thousands without power. Near Lahaina, a brush fire ignited and was contained only to flare up again a few hours later. Spurred on by winds originating from Hurricane Dora circling hundreds of miles offshore, the fire increased in size and intensity. With ground resources unable to combat a fire of that scope and air support unable to fly in winds that were gusting up to 60 mph, the fire exploded.
After two weeks with boots and paws on the ground in Maui, three SDF-trained search teams and their teammates returned to California after completing their mission. Alongside nearly 40 other canine teams, they searched through ash and debris for those lost in the devastating wildfire that swept through the Lahaina community on August 8.
Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones or were in any way affected by this tragedy—and we hope that, in some small way, we were able to help bring closure to those families through the work of the canine teams.
MEET THE BOOTS AND PAWS ON THE GROUND IN MAUI:
