UPDATE: Red flag warning extended into first part of weekend for portions of Kaua’i County

Update at 9:52 p.m. Aug. 1, 2025: A dry and locally windy trade wind flow will continue to produce critical fire weather conditions through the afternoon of Aug. 2, with winds strongest over and downwind of terrain.

Winds should begin a slow decline Sunday, though near critical fire weather conditions are expected as dry weather persists over leeward areas.

Therefore, forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu extended until 6 p.m. Aug. 2 the red flag warning in effect for leeward — western and southern — portions of Kauaʻi and all of Niʻihau.

East winds sustained at 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph combined with relative humidity falling to between 35% and 45% during the afternoons plus dry fuel sources can contribute to exteme fire behavior.

Heat from vehicle exhaust systems also can ignite dry grass, so the public is advised to park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.

High winds contribute to wildfire hazard. Delay activities that could throw off sparks until wind dies down.

The Kaua‘i Fire Department urges the public to remain vigilant to prevent fires, advising 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 911 if it is an emergency.

Hawai‘i Department of Health also declared a “NO BURN” period for Kaua‘i County through noon Aug. 4, prohibiting any open burning, including all permitted agricultural burning.

Call the Clean Air Branch Kaua‘i office at 808-241-3325 or Clean Air Branch O‘ahu office at 808-586-4200 with any questions.

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

Visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website for additional information about actions you can take to protect life and property from wildfires.

Call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the Honolulu forecast office website for the latest weather updates and forecasts.

Update at 10:45 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1: A red flag warning remains in effect for the leeward areas of Kauaʻi through 6 p.m. today, according to the National Weather Service.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has declared a “NO BURN” period for Kaua‘i County until 12 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4. Open burning, including all permitted agricultural burning is prohibited.

The Kauaʻi Fire Department is also urging the public to remain vigilant to prevent fires and advises the public to:

• 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 a vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from an 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; and
• 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 questions, call the Clean Air Branch of Kaua‘i at 808-241-3325, or the Clean Air Branch of O‘ahu at 808-586-4200.

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. The warning may be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions develop.

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

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

For more information about fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 or visit the Bureau’s website.

Original story at 9:43 a.m. July 31: A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service for leeward areas of Kaua‘i County through the evening of Aug. 1.

The strong winds combined with low humidity and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to a press release from Kaua‘i County. Kaua‘i Fire Department is urging residents and visitors to avoid all outdoor cooking and burning activities.

Additionally, fire officials ask residents to refrain from yard work and using any mechanized equipment.

“It is crucial to avoid driving on dry, tall grass, as the hot underside of vehicles can quickly ignite the grass from the exhaust muffler,” the release states.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. The red flag warning is in effect till 6 p.m. on Friday, however, it may and can be extended, dropped, or modified as conditions evolve.

County officials also remind that public that anyone found setting any fire or causing property damage without another’s consent, regardless of the amount of damage caused, 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.

Report any smoke or flames to KPD dispatch at 808-241-1711 or call 911 in an emergency.

For weather updates, call the National Weather Service automated weather line at 808-245-6001 or visit the NWS website by clicking here.