First-of-its-kind all-terrain fire fighting truck gifted to Hawai’i County
Recent brush fires in Waikōloa as well as on Kawaihae Road and Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, are constant reminders that public safety is paramount and early wildfire containment is critical.
A new Fawcett Cannon all-terrain fire fighting truck that recently made its debut on Hawai‘i Island, donated by Marc and Lynne Benioff through the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation, is now available to help protect ʻāina, property and people when the next wildland fire sparks.
The truck was designed and built in British Columbia, Canada, and is the first of its kind in the United States.
“It all started over a year ago with a YouTube video,” said Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Co-founder Laura Mallery-Sayre in a foundation release. “Marc saw the video and got excited about the Fawcett Cannon and the process moved forward. Let me tell you that crossing borders and an ocean was no easy task to get it here, too.”
What does the Fawcett Cannon all-terrain fire fighting truck do?
- One operator can do the work of a full crew: A 2,250-gallon water tank, high velocity pumps and a powerful cannon controlled from inside the the cab.
- Rapid water deployment: Loads 2,200 gallons of water in 6.5 minutes.
- Massive coverage: Sprays up to 600 gallons per minute with six hose lines.
- Mobility under fire: Can be driven through active wildfire areas.
- Clearing debris: A front mounted 12.5-foot blade can clear debris and fallen trees.
The Fawcett Cannon will be housed in Waimea, and it is a real positive especially for makai Hawai‘i Island communities such as Kawaihae and Puakō since it can use salt water and fresh water.
“Being proactive in getting the right equipment saves lives,” said Sayre.
A blessing ceremony for the new fire fighting truck was recently conducted by Kahu Danny and Anna Akaka.
Benioff and Fawcett: L-R, Marc Benioff, Ron Fawcett (Courtesy Photo: Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation)- Benioff and Sayres: L-R, Dr. Frank Sayre, Marc Benioff, Laura Mallery-Sayre (Courtesy Photo: Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation)
The gift builds on the Benioffs’ longstanding support for fire and emergency response around the Big Island, donating three big dog fire trucks, nearly two dozen brushfire trucks, an engine and two aviation fuel trucks to Hawai‘i Fire Department.
They supported a rescue boat and an additional rapid-response boat for Hawai‘i Island, an Airbus H-125 emergency fire suppression and rescue helicopter and a H-145 aeromedical critical-care transport helicopter that will help transport critically ill and injured patients to The Queen’s Medical Trauma 1 Center in Honolulu.
The Benioffs also donated 11 Dolphin 3 rescue buoys for Hawai‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Division.
