Update: Red flag warning canceled for leeward Big Island

Update at 3:56 p.m. Dec. 12: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has canceled the red
flag warning for leeward sections of the state, including the Big Island.

As winds begin to decrease and relative humidity rebounds, the threat of critical fire weather has diminished.

Original post at 2:43 p.m. Dec. 11: With relative humidity levels falling and strong, gusty trade winds prevailing, accompanied by drier air moving over the islands today, the National Weather Service forecast office in Honolulu — out of concern about critical fire weather conditions developing with the availability of dry fuels — has issued a red flag warning for leeward of the state, including portions of the Big Island.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for North and South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and the interior of the island.

East winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected in the warning areas as a wind advisory continues. Relative humidity levels this evening and again Thursday are forecast to get as low as 45% in these areas.

The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. While a red flag warning does not predict new fire starts, if any blazes develop, they likely will spread rapidly.

Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on paved areas, where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.

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

A red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or will shortly.

Because of the red flag warning, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports that the following emergency rules are also in place until 6 p.m. Thursday:

• All outdoor burning is banned in North and South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and the interior of the island.
• All outdoor open flames are banned in North and South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and the interior of the island.
• All hot works is banned; hot works includes, but is not limited to grinding, welding, flame cutting or other fire or spark-producing operations.
• The director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to extend rules 1 and 2 in county park facilities.

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Hazard Map for hazard information, including brush fires and more.

Hawaiian Electric is also monitoring weather conditions.

If needed to protect public safety, the utility could implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Hawaiian Electric has activated its Public Safety Power Shutoff emergency response plan, including:

• Closely monitoring weather.
• Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials.
• Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages and make safety their top priority.

For more information, including how to prepare for a power shutoff, call Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff hotline toll-free at 1-844-483-8666 or click here.

For actions you can take to protect life and property from wildfires, visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website.

Visit the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website for the lastest weather updates, advisories, watches and warnings.