HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii is entering a dangerous wildfire season, officials have cautioned, with reports of fires on all islands in recent months.
“We’re seeing conditions drift into those or high fire risk conditions that we’re well aware of, especially we’ve had lots of windy trade wind days when we get trade winds, those drying fuels, and then all it takes is an ignition,” UH Wildfire Scientist Clay Trauernicht said.
According to forecasters from the National Weather Service, conditions will be “most prevalent” for “fire weather watch” or “red flag warning conditions” in August and September due to warm temperature, very low humidity, and strong winds that can produce an increased risk of fire danger.
“So if the conditions are dry enough, a red flag gets declared, and that just means expect sort of extra chance of fire. If those, if fire does break out, it might be harder to contain for firefighters,” Trauernicht said.
Forecasters attribute the issue to unexpected storms during winter.
“The actions that we need to take,” Trauernicht said. “That is establishing fuel breaks, reducing vegetation, hazardous fuels around your home, things like that.”
The Kauai Fire Prevention Bureau also advises individuals to:
Remove flammable materials from the areas outside or around your home.
Keep your lawn hydrated — and shorter than four inches.
Do not mow your lawn during the hottest time of the day or when it is windy.
Have a fire escape route ready.