Residents and visitors urged to heed warnings

Published on August 09, 2023

LĪHU‘E – With a Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory in effect for Kaua‘i through 6 a.m. Thursday, the Kaua‘i Fire Department urges residents and visitors to remain vigilant to prevent fires. 

“As we continue to pray for our brothers and sisters on Maui, we urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and be prepared as the Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory remains in effect through this evening,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Any fire that develops during a Red Flag Warning can spread rapidly.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is advising the following to prevent fires:

• Refrain from ALL outdoor burning, including cooking;
• Avoid the use of mechanized equipment outdoors, including the use of yardwork equipment;
• 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.

“The County of Kaua‘i and the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency are in contact with Maui officials and are preparing to deploy resources as needed,” said Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency Administrator Elton Ushio.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur shortly. The combination of dry fuels, strong and gusty trade winds, and low relative humidity levels could produce extreme fire behavior. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts.

A Wind Advisory means strong winds are occurring. Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings, and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high-profile vehicles.

The warning and advisory 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 NWS website, www.weather.gov/hfo.

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

For more information about fire safety, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985.

For updates on the Maui County fires, please visit their website www.mauicounty.gov, Facebook page www.facebook.com/countyofmaui, or on Instagram www.instagram.com/countyofmaui.

For updates on the Hawai‘i County fires, please visit their website www.hawaiicounty.gov, Mayor Mitch Roth’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/HIMayorMitch, or on Instagram www.instagram.com/himayormitch.

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