‘We can and must all work together’: Officials call for fire safety practices amidst Red Flag Warning extension

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The National Weather Service has extended the state’s Red Flag Warning for the second time, this time set to expire on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.

The initial Red Flag Warning was set to expire on Aug. 1, but was then pushed back to expire on Aug. 2. But this second extension currently has the Red Flag Warning’s end for Aug. 3.

A Red Flag Warning is issued when there are continuous strong winds and low relative humidity.

The NWS says that trade winds will contribute to fire weather conditions, with the winds expected to begin to slowly decline on Aug. 3.

As a result, leeward portions of the islands are at the most risk, in addition to interior sections of Hawaiʻi Island.

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During this warning, the NWS says east-northeast winds could reach up to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 40 miles per hour on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island are expected to see stronger gusts, with the NWS saying their gusts could go up to 50 miles per hour.

For humidity, NWS says that the relative humidity could be as low as 35 to 45 percent.

“We have to continue to be vigilant and careful when conditions are this dangerous,” Gov. Josh Green said. “Nearly all of Hawaiʻi’s wildfires are started by human activity, which means nearly all of them are preventable.”

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The governor expressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols to avoid a potential disaster.

“Residents and visitors alike have a role to play in reducing the risk,” Green said. “Please take this warning seriously, avoid activities that can spark fires and do your part to keep our communities and ʻohana safe.”

For the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, the warning is a serious call for the community to work together.

“Red Flag Warnings are a serious call to action,” HIEMA Administrator James Barros said. “We have all seen how a single spark can have devastating consequences. It is everyone’s kuleana — our shared responsibility — to prevent ignition and protect our communities.”

Officials remind the public to stay vigilant against fires by doing the following:

  • Removing dry vegetating and other flammable materials from around structures.
  • Avoid fire-starting activities such as burning debris, tossing cigarettes or using open flames outdoors.
  • Clear your gutters and trim fire-prone vegetation, while also securing loose items.
  • Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood and have your emergency go bag prepared.

“Wildfire preparedness is everyone’s kuleana — from individual homeowners and landowners to public land managers, large agricultural operations and even visitors,” State Fire Marshal Dori Booth said. “We can and must all work together to build a safer, more resilient Hawaiʻi.”

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For live weather updates, visit the NWS website. For more information on current wildfire conditions, visit the state’s website.