Wildfire Awareness Month almost finished, but risk not gone; preparation, vigilance urged

There might be just two days remaining in Wildfire Awareness Month — observed each year in May — but that doesn’t mean the risk goes away.

Fires can pop up anytime throughout the year, but especially throughout the summer — which is typically the dry fire season.

That means it’s even more important to be fire aware.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami on Thursday presented a proclamation for Wildfire Awareness Month to personnel from Kaua‘i Fire Department, Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department Chief Oric Kuapahi, Līhu‘e Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting personnel and a representative from the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization.

“Mahalo to the Kaua‘i Fire Department, the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization and all of our first responder partners for your unwavering commitment to protecting our island,” Kawakami said in a release following the presentation of his proclamation. “Your dedication, preparation and partnership are what keep our communities safe and resilient in the face of growing wildfire threats.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department advises the public to prepare now and remain vigilant throughout the dry fire season.

“Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. By working together with clarity, compassion and urgency we can make Kaua‘i more resilient and better prepared for the challenges ahead,” Kaua‘i Fire Chief Michael Gibson said in the mayor’s release.

Kaua‘i Fire Department offered the following tips:

• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of your 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 9-1-1 for an emergency.

Here is a list of important resources for 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, Kaua‘i County’s emergency notification service, visit Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website and click “WENS.”

You can also call Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.