Kaua‘i Fire Department urges vigilance in anticipation of Fire Weather Watch and Red Flag Warning conditions
LĪHU‘E —In anticipation of heightened Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings, the Kaua‘i Fire Department urges the community to be vigilant and offers safety guidance to prevent wildfires.
According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, conditions will be most prevalent for Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning conditions in August and September. A Fire Weather Watch means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds can combine to produce possible increased risks of fire danger. A Red Flag Warning is issued when critical fire conditions will occur or are occurring. Fires during Red Flag Warnings can grow very quickly.
“During our wildfire responses in July, our community was incredibly fortunate. The Hanapēpē-Kaumakani fire came very close to homes near Moi Road in Hanapēpē and Kaumakani Village. Through the brave actions of our firefighters and partners, no injuries were reported, and just a single unoccupied structure was damaged. Should critical fire conditions have been in effect that day, we may have encountered catastrophic outcomes, including the loss of homes and lives. We are urging the public to help us prevent such an event from occurring.”
The KFD Fire Prevention Bureau offers the following tips to prevent wildfires and advice should one occur:
- Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home.
- Invasive grasses such as guinea grass and koa haole overgrow when unmanaged, creating a significant fire hazard. Weed them often and consider replanting with low-lying, drought–tolerant, native ground cover.
- Remove flammable materials from decks, porches, lanai, and underneath the house. Common flammables include scrap wood, firewood, and combustible furniture.
- Keep your lawn hydrated and shorter than 4 inches tall around the home. Do not mow in the day's heat or when the wind blows; never mow in dry vegetation.
- Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread.
- Report any possible fires – including signs of smoke or flames – by calling Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or 911 if it is an emergency.
For more tips to prevent wildfires, visit Kauai.gov/fire and download the Hawai‘i Wildland Management Organization Fire Action Guide by clicking “Wildland Fire Action Guide & Safety Tips.”
Residents and businesses can also follow local and government media and broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information.
The following provides a list of essential resources on emergency preparedness:
- Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/kema.
- National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
- Road and closure conditions – (808) 241-1725.
To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
The Kōke‘e fires are believed to have been intentionally set. The investigation remains ongoing, as police continue to pursue all leads.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Lt. Kennison Nagahisa at 808-241-1705 or knagahisa@kauai.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices. Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone providing information that leads to an arrest.
 An aerial photo from July 19, 2024, illustrates the 768-acre burn area of the Hanapēpē-Kaumakani fire, which was near homes by Moi Road in Hanapēpē and Kaumakani Village.
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