It’s Wildfire Awareness Month; Kaua‘i Fire Department advises preparation, vigilance

May is observed as Wildfire Awareness Month, and the Kaua‘i Fire Department advises the community to prepare for the summer season.

“Wildfires have the potential to cause significant destruction to our homes, communities, and public spaces,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson. “Our residents and businesses must take preventative measures to mitigate wildfires, especially when we head into the drier summer season.”

The Kaua‘i Fire Department is offering the following tips:

• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first five feet of the home.
• Invasive grasses such as guinea grass and koa haole overgrow when unmanaged, creating a significant fire hazard. Weed them often and consider replanting with low-lying, drought–tolerant, native ground cover.
• Remove flammable materials from decks, porches, lanai and underneath the house. Common flammables include scrap wood, firewood and combustible furniture.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and shorter than four inches tall around the home. Do not mow in the day’s heat or when the wind blows; never mow in dry vegetation.
• Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread.
• Report any possible fires – including signs of smoke or flames – by calling Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or 911 if it is an emergency.

In addition, KFD is partnering with the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization on a wildfire preparedness learning series for large landowners and land stewards throughout May.

Interested landowners may contact KFD Fire Prevention Capt. Kaeo Kinoshita at jkinoshita@kauai.gov for more information.

For more tips to prevent wildfires, visit Kauai.gov/fire and download the Hawai‘i Wildland Management Organization Fire Action Guide by clicking “Wildland Fire Action Guide & Safety Tips.”

Residents and businesses can also follow local and government media and broadcast channels for the most up-to-date information.

The following provides a list of important resources on emergency preparedness:

• Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency – kauai.gov/kema
• National Weather Service – weather.gov/hfo, or automated weather line at 808-245-6001.
• Road and closure conditions – 808-241-1725.

To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System, the county’s emergency notification service, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “WENS.” You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.