The Honolulu Fire Department is urging the public not to rig slacklines in mountain areas and to report any slacklines they see because of the dangers the lines pose to rescuers.

“We would like to ask for the community’s assistance in keeping our personnel and those we serve safe by not placing permanent or temporary wires or lines in areas that can affect search and rescue and firefighting operations,” HFD senior helicopter pilot Joshua Yeager said today in a news release.

Fire officials say the slacklines create a significant hazard to HFD personnel operating helicopters during emergency operations, as well as to the public.

The aircraft can collide with the slacklines, as well as rescuers, victims and water buckets suspended below the aircraft, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

“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,” Yeager said. “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.”

To report the location of slacklines to alert HFD to the hazard, call HFD at 808-723-3473.