The Maui News
All islands are under a red flag warning through 6 p.m. today, as low humidity and gusty winds raise the risk of fast-spreading, unpredictable wildfires, the National Weather Service warned.
A high wind advisory also is in effect for Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island through 6 p.m. today, with gusts of 50 mph possible.
All Lahaina public schools will close today out of an abundance of caution, the state Department of Education said. Schools have emergency preparedness plans in place and the DOE will work with the state and county to monitor the situation.
With the warnings in effect, the Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency and emergency managers in all counties are taking steps to prepare, HI-EMA said in a news release Sunday.
“With drought conditions in place statewide, we’re one bad spark away from a new wildfire, so we and our partners are on alert,” said HI-EMA Administrator James Barros. “The first responders and the counties are the front line of defense and we’re here to support them if they need it.”
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.
Gov. Josh Green met Sunday morning 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, HI-EMA said.
The agency was already coordinating additional military fire-suppression aircraft that have been helping the City and County of Honolulu with fighting the Kipapa Ballroom Fire in steep, difficult-to-access terrain above Mililani. Honolulu reported Sunday that fire had been 85 percent contained and posed no hazard to communities, but that contingency plans are in place if higher winds increase the threat.
“The people of Hawai’i have seen how quickly a wildfire can spread and the devastation it can bring –Maui is still coping with the consequences,” Barros said. “We want to assure everyone that we are keeping close watch, but we need your help to reduce risk.”
To reduce the chance of wildfires, the public can:
• Avoid outdoor burning or any activity that causes embers or sparks. That can include using power tools or dragging chains from a trailer or other moving vehicle.
• Avoid throwing cigarette butts from vehicles.
• Avoid parking 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 www.hawaiiwildfire.org/fire-resource-library-blog/rsg-your-personal-wildland-fire-action-guide.
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