May 2024 proclaimed Wildfire Community Preparedness Month in Hawai‘i County

A month-long intitiative aimed at raising awareness, educating the public and encouraging proactive measures to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires around the Big Island is underway.

Mayor Mitch Roth officially proclaimed May 2024 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month in Hawai‘i County.

“Preparedness is something that we can all do for free that will keep our homes, families and communities safe in the event of a wildfire,” said Roth. “We’ve seen how quickly fires can spread, especially with increasingly dry conditions. By doing our part and taking the necessary precautions in and around our homes, we can significantly reduce the spread of wildfires.”

All Big Island residents are urged to participate in wildfire preparedness by educating themselves on fire protection resources and learning about the Ready-Set-Go! fire preparedness framework offered by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization.

These efforts will help reduce deaths, injuries and property losses, making a significant difference before, during and after a wildfire.

“Together, we can make Hawai‘i County a safer place for all,” Roth said.

For more information about wildfire preparedness, visit the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization website.

Roth’s proclamation comes after Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green proclaimed May as Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Preparedness Month throughout the state.

Green urges everyone in the islands to be more aware of wildfire risks, how to reduce them and prepare for the worst if a blaze sparks.

It’s been 9 months since historic Lahaina, Maui, was destroyed by a wildfire that killed more than 100 people.