University of Hawai‘i scientists create maps to better predict wildfire risk

New wildfire risk maps, developed by scientists at the University of Hawai‘i, are expected to better predict fire danger across the state.

Unlike the current Red Flag Warning system, which relies on weather from a limited number of stations, these maps provide a daily, high-resolution look at the most current fire ignition risks statewide, according to a press release from the university.

“This new mapping system gives us a clearer, more detailed picture of wildfire risks across Hawaiʻi,” said Professor Sayed Bateni of UH Mānoa’s Water Resources Research Center and Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering. “By providing daily updates and a long-term dataset, we hope to improve preparedness and help protect communities from future fires.”

The maps are available to communities and emergency responders on the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal. Users of the portal can zoom in to a particular area to assess the current fire risk and generate customized packages of data to export from the portal. Historical fire risk maps are also available for the past 20 years.

To learn more about these maps, officials will host a presentation in person and online on April 1 at noon to explain how the maps were created, how they predict fire risk and how to access and use the data.

Visit the website here for more information.

The maps are generated using real-time data obtained from various weather networks across the state including the Hawaiʻi Mesonet, which currently consists of more than 60 advanced weather stations with a total goal of 100 within the next two years.

These stations provide valuable weather and climate monitoring and forecasting. The data collected can also be used for water resource management, agriculture, ranching, ecosystem and cultural resource protection and more.

“It’s all about improving preparedness, especially in light of recent disasters like the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the tragic Lahaina fire,” said Tom Giambelluca, retired UH Mānoa professor of Geography and Environment, former director of the university’s Water Resources Research Center, and leader of the Hawaiʻi Mesonet. “With real-time data on factors like soil moisture, we can better identify areas at high risk for wildfires or flooding.”

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi State Legislature provided funding to create the fire ignition probability maps.

“This mapping system is a game-changer for wildfire preparedness in Hawaiʻi,” said Clay Trauernicht, assistant specialist in the UH Mānoa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “Using current data allows us to better anticipate fire risks and take proactive measures to protect communities.”