WAIMEA — It could be a perfect storm of a situation for wildfires in Hawaii, according to the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Drought conditions, two rainy winter seasons in a row, and higher than normal temperatures are all contributing factors — creating ample kindling and prime conditions for a fire to catch.
Even last week’s heavy rains are contributing to the situation, encouraging more vegetation growth as Hawaii moves into the hottest and driest months in the year.
“People should not be lulled into thinking that recent rainfall over some islands will eliminate drought conditions over the entire state,” said meteorologist Derek Wroe with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office. “With our hotter and drier months still ahead, current drought conditions have the potential to become more pronounced over portions of the state.”
Officials say Hawaii, like much of the Mainland, has moved past having a “fire season” and the threat lingers year-round. However, all signs are pointing to a busy time for wildland fires in the coming months.
Kauai has already experienced the first fires of the summer, with a mid-June brush fire that sparked in Poipu and burned 500 acres.
A few days later, 2,150 acres of Agribusiness Development Corporation land burned between Kekaha and Waimea, leaving a swath of charred scenery between the two highways leading to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks.
That spot, according to DLNR, catches fire often.
“This fire burned in the exact same area as a wildland fire in May this year and May of 2017; it basically burns there almost every year,” said Sheri S. Mann, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife Kauai Branch Chief.
She says the repetitive burning points to a needed change in management practices; changes like taking steps to reduce fuel in those areas and ways to mitigate human activities that could start fires.
Officials say that the fire threat has grown year after year on Hawaii. Much of that has to do with current and historical land use, according to Clay Trauernicht, a Wildland Fire Specialist with the University of Hawaii’s Cooperative Extension Service.
“Agriculture and ranching declines have left us with about one million acres of non-native grasses and shrubs statewide,” Trauernicht said. “This vegetation is incredibly prone to burning during drought. Clearing and cleaning up the brush on your property is critical for the safety of your family, home, and our firefighters.”
Research shows about 75% of fires sparked in the state are accidental, which means they can be prevented. Trauernicht suggests taking proper steps with campfires and barbecues. Using machinery and running cars over or around dry grass can also start a fire.
“We also see big spikes in wildfires around the holidays so please follow the laws and be especially safe around fireworks this upcoming Independence Day,” Trauernicht said.
While firefighters are a strong line of defense against wildfires, they’re not the first line of defense. Elizabeth Pickett, the head of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) points out it’s proactive actions that help protect the land from igniting.
“It is up to everyone, residents and visitors alike, to prevent wildfire by eliminating any chance for heat or sparks to come in contact with dry vegetation,” Pickett said.
There is also a lot that can be done around your home and community to reduce wildfire’s ability to spread and cause widespread damage.
Picket says it’s as simple as “keeping your grass short, removing dead branches and leaves, and clearing your rain gutters of debris.”
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Jessica Else, environment reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or at jelse@thegardenisland.com
