#U.S. Drought Monitor

Big Island firefighters respond to third Hāmākua wildfire in as many days

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded Saturday afternoon to a small wildfire near the 21-mile marker of Highway 19 near Pōhakupuka. Firefighters also battled 2 separate blazes about 15 to 20 miles north and west of there the prior 2 days that burned a total of less than about 330 acres.

Strong winds persist in driest areas of Big Island, continuing elevated wildfire danger

National Weather Service extended a wind advisory in effect for North Kohala and portions of South Kohala, North Kona, Hāmākua, Kaʻū and Puna, adding the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as ridge of high pressure to north of state will keep same locations parched and primed for fires under the right conditions, despite National Weather Service not expected to issue any watches or warnings.

Sparking prevention: Officials urge caution with wildfire risk heightened in Big Island areas under wind advisory

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense asks public in those locations to be careful with use of open flames, fire and hotwork activity as well as avoid parking vehicles on dry grass after travel.

Severe drought conditions causing wildfires on Big Island and Maui

Parts of the State of Hawaiʻi, including portions of the Big Island, are beginning to suffer severe drought conditions, with wildfires already starting to occur as a result of the dry land.

Drought Monitor: Mostly Normal Conditions, Drought Eliminated

On Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed mostly normal conditions for the entire state.