Update: Red flag warning canceled for leeward Kaua‘i

Update at 3:58 p.m. Dec. 12: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the red
flag warning for leeward sections of the state, including Kaua‘i.

As winds begin to decrease and relative humidity rebounds, the threat of critical fire weather has diminished.

Update at 9:32 a.m. Dec. 12: Kaua‘i Fire Department reports that the Hawai‘i Department of Health declared a “No Burn” period for Kaua‘i County from 2:30 p.m. Wednesday until noon Friday.

This declaration, which followed the red flag warning being issued for leeward portions of the Garden Isle by the National Weather Service in Honolulu, prohibits any open burning, including all permitted agricultural burning.

Call the state Health Department’s Clean Air Branch Kaua‘i office at 808-241-3325 or O‘ahu office at 808-586-4200 if you have any questions.

Original post at 3:45 p.m. Dec. 11: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a red flag warning for leeward areas of Kaua‘i, in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Kaua‘i Fire Department urges the public to remain vigilant to prevent fires.

With relative humidity levels falling and strong, gusty trade winds accompanied by drier air moving over the islands today, the National Weather Service issued the warning for all leeward areas of the state out of concern about critical fire weather conditions developing.

East winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected in the warning areas. Relative humidity levels this evening and again Thursday are forecast to get as low as 45% in these areas.

Although some parts of the island received rain this week, the west side and leeward areas remain dry and are at risk for fire.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department advises the following:

• Refrain from all outdoor burning, including cooking.
• Avoid the use of mechanized equipment outdoors, including the use of yardwork equipment.
• Do not drive your vehicle in dry, tall grass. The underside of your vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from your exhaust muffler.
• Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.
• Be aware of wind direction and gusts that could spread fire rapidly.
• 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 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will shortly.

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

Anyone who sets fire or causes property to be burned without another’s consent, regardless of the amount of damage, can be charged with a Class C Felony if the fire is set during a red flag warning. A Class C felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website.

To sign up for the county’s Wireless Emergency Notification System, visit the county’s website or call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.

Contact the Kaua‘i Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 or click here for more information about fire safety.