LIHUE — Hot and dry conditions heading into the Fourth of July weekend have put firefighters on high alert. “We’re having all of the fire stations fully staffed,” Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman said. “With dry conditions around the island,
LIHUE — Hot and dry conditions heading into the Fourth of July weekend have put firefighters on high alert.
“We’re having all of the fire stations fully staffed,” Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman said. “With dry conditions around the island, we need to be prepared.”
The thermometer teased the 90-degree mark this week and rainfall continues to be sparse. Capt. Daryl Date of the Fire Prevention Bureau said people should be careful in setting off pyrotechnic devices, especially in light of the dry conditions around the island.
“Exercise caution when igniting fireworks to help prevent fires and avoidable injuries,” Date said.
Fireworks can only be ignited on private property from 1 to 9 p.m. today. It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property. Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
Fireworks should be set off away from dry grass and other flammable materials. A water source should be kept nearby in the event of an unexpected fire. Fireworks trash should be kept separate from household trash and should be watered down following use.
Boating safety
HANALEI — The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources created a lane marked with buoys to help boaters as they navigate their way to and from the beach by Hanalei Pier this Fourth of July weekend.
Boating Division District Manager Joe Borden said the lane is there to help boaters get out of the river without hitting rocks or scrapping bottom in shallow water by the ramp.
Anchoring in the lane is not allowed, and boaters are asked to spend no more than 15 minutes in the marked lane.
