Outdoor burn ban in effect for portions of Hawaiʻi Island to reduce wildfire risk

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda on Thursday signed an emergency proclamation that bans outdoor burning and open flames in parts of Hawaiʻi Island to reduce the risk of wildfire.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu issued a red flag warning in effect until 6 p.m. Saturday for north, northwest, south, southeast and interior parts of the Big Island because of the threat of wildfires igniting from critical fire weather conditions.

Included in the red flag advisory are all or parts of Hāmākua, North Hilo, North and South Kohala, North Kona, Kaʻū and Puna.

THESE ACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED IN RED FLAG WARNING AREAS because of the mayor’s emergency proclamation:

• All outdoor burning.
• All outdoor open flames.
• All “hot work,” which includes but is not limited to grinding, welding, flame cutting or other fire or spark-producing operations.

Violations are punishable by up to a $1,000 fine per each offense found guilty.

The public is also advised to avoid parking on dry vegetation as heat from vehicle exhaust can ignite dry grass.

Park vehicles on paved areas or other clear surfaces.

Forecasters reported earlier Thursday that winds are expected to increase through the weekend, with gusts reaching up to 50 miles per hour Friday.

Relative humidity could drop to as low as 40%, significantly drying out vegetation and heightening the risk for fast-moving fires.