The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and emergency managers in all counties are taking steps to prepare for rising winds and low humidity that could increase the risk of wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all islands through 6 p.m. today, indicating that low humidity and gusty winds may cause  fires that start to spread rapidly and behave in less-predictable ways.

A High Wind Advisory also is in effect for the eastern islands, with winds strengthening statewide and gusts of 50 mph possible through today.

All four counties and the State Emergency Operations Center have been partially activated since Sunday morning to monitor conditions and provide mutual support as needed.

Yesterday morning, Governor Josh Green, M.D., met with representatives of HI-EMA, the county emergency management agencies, the National Weather Service, the Hawai‘i National Guard and other key partners. Such a coordination call is standard practice before any serious hazard to discuss resource deployment and any pre-impact needs.

To reduce the chance of wildfires, the public is advised to:

• Avoid outdoor burning or any activity that causes embers or sparks. That can include use of power tools or dragging chains from a trailer or other moving vehicle.
• Do not throw cigarette butts from vehicles.
• Do not park on vegetation – a vehicle exhaust system can be hot enough to ignite it.
• Remove dry brush from around structures.
• Clear debris from gutters, where an ember could land.

For more information on wildfire safety, visit Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization.