Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth and Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno are urging the community to take necessary steps in preparation for the Fire Weather Watch scheduled to take effect tomorrow morning, August 31.
A Fire Weather Watch, also known as a Red Flag Warning, is issued when the combination of dry vegetation and weather conditions creates an extremely high risk of fire.
The Fire Weather Watch issued by the National Weather Service will cover all leeward areas of Hawaiʻi Island, from North Kohala to Kaʻū. Expected weather conditions include northeast winds ranging from 15 to 30 MPH, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 45 MPH. These conditions will lead to drier weather, significantly affecting Hawaiʻi Island on Thursday.
Hawaiʻi County highlights that these conditions are conducive to the rapid spread of wildfires, creating difficulties for containment.
“We’re asking our residents to protect each other by being cautious and remaining mindful in their actions,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Last time we had similar conditions, multiple fires sprung up along our leeward coast. These fires can potentially put our firefighters and communities at large in harm’s way. By remaining mindful and refraining from potentially risky behaviors, we can significantly reduce the chances of large brushfires this time around.”
In response to the Fire Weather Watch, the following measures are now in effect:
Camping Permits Cancellation: All camping permits for Thursday within the affected Beach Parks are canceled. This includes Mahukona Beach Park, Spencer Beach Park, Kohanaiki Beach Park, Punaluʻu Beach Park, and Whittington Beach Park.
Prohibition of Open Flames: Open flames, fire pits, and grills on County property are strictly prohibited until further notice.
Caution for Outdoor Activities: Individuals are strongly advised to avoid outdoor activities involving open flames, such as outdoor cooking, welding, and grinding metal, during this period.
Vehicle Parking Precaution: Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass after travel to prevent potential fire hazards.
Property Fire Safety Measures: Property owners are urged to secure outdoor items and implement necessary fire safety precautions on their premises.
Residents are also encouraged to visit the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization’s official website at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home for valuable information on wildfire prevention and safety measures.
The County of Hawaiʻi assures residents that any updates or changes in conditions will be promptly communicated. Safety remains the top priority, and the cooperation of all residents is crucial to mitigate the risks posed by the prevailing fire weather conditions.