Firefighters battling Hawaiʻi Island forest fire sustained by Salvation Army meals

Firefighters working to contain the Manowaialeʻe Forest Reserve Brush Fire are receiving daily support from The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps. Beginning September 7, the Corps is serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to 70 firefighters, with services continuing as long as needed.

Meals on the Frontlines

The fire is located in a remote area of the firest reserve near the 32 Mile Marker of Highway 19 and Oʻokala. To meet responders where they are, meals are delivered directly to the reserve for service at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Firefighters are being sustained with hearty meals ranging from breakfast bentos donated by community partner KTA to BBQ dinner plates. As operations expand, The Salvation Army is setting up Emergency Disaster Services tents and is exploring deploying the Hilo-based Mālama ʻOhana Kitchen Mobile Trailer and shower trailer to further support crews.

"An Honor to Serve"

“It is an honor to help serve those who are so bravely keeping our communities safe and these vital forested lands preserved,” said Captain Sam LeMar, Hilo Temple Corps Officer and Hawaiʻi Island Coordinator. “We are prayerful that the fire is quickly extinguished and are here to support these incredible firefighters with a warm meal and access to showers as long as there is need.”

How to Support

The Salvation Army continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to serve as long as needed. The public is invited to support relief efforts for firefighters and future disaster response through donations for emergency disaster services.