UPDATE: Hawaiʻi County emergency proclamation expires after red flag warning ends

Update at 7:26 a.m. Nov. 7: The Hawaiʻi County emergency proclamation associated with the recent red flag warning and fire weather conditions expired as of 7 a.m. today after the warning ended Monday.

“We extend our gratitude to the community for their steadfast vigilance and preparedness during this warning period,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth. “Although the warning period is over, we are counting on our residents to continue doing what is in the best interest of us all.”

While the specific mandated rules attached to the emergency proclamation will no longer be mandatory, the County urges the public to remain steadfast, exercise caution and stay vigilant to ensure everyone’s safety.

Safety is the County’s top priority as officials continue work to mitigate any potential wildfire risks.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website for more emergency management information.

Update at 10:34 a.m. Nov. 5: The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for areas of north and South Kohala, Kona and Ka’ū Districts until Monday.

The warning indicates a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation may contribute to extreme fire conditions.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Island of Hawai’i, to include Hāmākua, North and South Kohala, Ka’ū, and Puna Districts through Monday.

Winds of 20 to 30 mph with localized gusts of over 50 mph are forecast.

Due to the Red Flag Warning, the following Emergency Rules are currently in effect through Tuesday:

• All outdoor burning is banned in the Districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, and Ka’ū.
• All outdoor open flames are banned in the Districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona, and Ka’ū.

Please help protect our families and communities by following these simple rules to get through this fire danger period.

You will be informed of any changes that may affect your safe

For more information on the Red Flag Warning Emergency Proclamation, visit this site.

For more information, visit the County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map.

Original story posted on 10:50 a.m. on Nov. 4: The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for leeward and interior areas of the Big Island from 10 a.m. today through 6 p.m. Nov. 6 as the combination of strong trade winds and low relative humidity will increase the risk of wildfires.

The red flag warning will replace the fire weather watch that was issued at the end of last week for the same areas.

East winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts of up to 50 mph, are expected to reach their peak Monday. Relative humidity will reach its lowest level, forecast as low as 40%, during afternoon hours.

The combination of those strong winds, the low relative humidity and dry fuel sources will contribute to extreme fire behavior.

While a red flag warning means critical fire weather conditions are happening or will, it does not predict new fire starts. However, any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.

The National Weather Service advises:

• Outdoor burning is not recommended.
• Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass. Park cars on areas that are paved or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.
• Delay activities that could throw off sparks until the wind dies down.

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says the following emergency rules will be implemented during the warning period:

• All outdoor burning is banned in North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona and Kaʻū.
• All outdoor open flames are banned in North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona and Kaʻū.
• The director of Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation is authorized to extend Rules 1 and 2 in County parks and facilities.
• Help protect the community by following these simple rules through the fire danger period.

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