Question: There was a terrible fire in Ewa Beach in June that destroyed six units. We saw many Honolulu Fire Department trucks but not one from West Loch, less than five miles from the fire. Why?

Answer: Because the station at West Loch Naval Magazine is part of the Federal Fire Department and there were enough HFD crews available to respond, said HFD spokesman Capt. David Jenkins.

"It would take extraordinary circumstances to draw from that (federal) resource through a mutual aid agreement" between the two fire departments, he said.

The Federal Fire Department in Hawaii provides fire protection and emergency medical services to Department of Defense installations on Oahu, but is often called on for help by state and county agencies.  For more information, see 1.usa.gov/1rVBgd7

Jenkins explained that federal firefighters were asked to help during the recent Makakilo brush fire because of its sheer size — burning more than 1,000 acres — and "a large amount of manpower was necessary to halt its progress."

It took 30 HFD and seven federal fire companies, with a total of 100 personnel, to fight the brush fire on Aug. 22, he said.

By comparison, the Ewa Beach fire was larger than a single-family dwelling blaze, but it was confined to a relatively small area.

"An overabundance of manpower would not have contributed to the expeditious extinguishment of (that) fire," Jenkins said.

HFD responded with 13 companies and 48 personnel.

The first HFD unit arrived five minutes after it was dispatched, and four more companies arrived within five minutes after that, Jenkins said. "The HFD responded with the appropriate number of personnel and within the national standard of response time."

Meanwhile, the cause of that fire, which originated on the lanai of unit U-3, has been classified as "undetermined," he said.

Punchbowl Niche Update

The National Cemetery Administration’s policy of not "inking" in niche markers at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, still stands (Kokua Line, Aug. 11 — bit.ly/1C0zTMj).

However, Punchbowl officials are still in discussion with the administration about its policy to stop using lithochrome on the markers at Punchbowl, said spokeswoman Nadine Siak.

"We are sharing with higher-level NCA officials the local community’s concerns and frustrations, and discussing how/why the lithochrome-free policy could be phased in somewhat differently at Punchbowl," she said.

In the meantime, Punchbowl officials are reminding the public that grave markers and columbarium niche covers are federal property.

Altering or marking them with paint, marker or any other means is considered vandalism and may be subject to a penalty.

MAHALO

To Milton Teraoka and Pam Ioane of Maui Divers and Honolulu police officers Darren Soto and Chantilly Pratt-Maiva. During a recent staycation in Waikiki, I was walking in front of the Hard Rock Cafe when I fell. I felt shame and tried to get up. Mr. Teraoka and Ms. Ioane came over and asked if I was OK. I said, "Yes, thanks" and tried to walk, but it was too painful. Officers Soto and Pratt-Maiva took me to an urgent care clinic in Waikiki where I found out I had severe bleeding in my knee area. Lesson: Always carry your ID and/or medical card even if you’re taking a short walk and believe there are angels everywhere. — AK

MAHALO

To Gailynn. I was leaving the Windward Mall’s Open Market one afternoon when my right knee suddenly collapsed. I fell with all of my heavy purchases that I had on my left arm and my cane on my right. Suddenly along came Gailynn, who carried all my bags and walked with me through Sports Authority to the parking lot. I was so fortunate to have met such a lovely, caring young lady. — Grateful Grandma/Kaneohe

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.

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CORRECTION: The website for the Federal Fire Department in Hawaii is www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrh/installations/jb_pearl_harbor_hickam/om/fire_and_emergency_services.html. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect url.