Update: Weather service cancels red flag warning issued throughout Hawai‘i Island

5:10 p.m. Oct. 16 update: The National Weather Service has canceled the red flag warning for the North and South Kohala, North Kona and Ka`u districts, and parts of the Puna district, as weather conditions have improved.

With the cancellation of the red flag warning, Hawaiian Electric has deactivated its public safety power shutoff watch, as well.

The company monitored weather conditions throughout the day and saw a steady drop of wind speeds in the afternoon. As a result, Hawaiian Electric did not shut off power to customers during the watch because of its PSPS program. Any power outages today were unrelated to the PSPS program.

Original post: The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for leeward areas of all Hawaiian Islands, including parts of Hawaiʻi Island.

The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions, which increase the risk of wildfires.

If necessary, Hawaiian Electric may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk. Customers in these areas are urged to implement their emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

Call Hawaiian Electric’s hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS for more information and maps.

In response, Mayor Mitch Roth has signed an emergency proclamation, effective immediately, which includes the following rules:

• Outdoor burning is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, Ka‘ū, Big Island Interior, and parts of Puna.
• Outdoor open flames are banned during the same period in the same districts.
• Hot work activities such as welding, grinding, and flame cutting are also prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to reduce fire risk.

The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to extend these restrictions in County parks and facilities as needed.

Additionally, residents are advised to avoid parking on dry vegetation, as heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite grass and start fires. Vehicles should be parked on pavement, asphalt, or other cleared surfaces.

“With the current weather conditions, fire risk is high, and these measures are in place to protect our residents and property,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We ask the community to follow these rules and exercise caution.”

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense will update conditions via radio and through the County’s Hazard Impact Map here.

For more information on wildfire safety and prevention, please visit the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home.