Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT!

Protecting Hawaii: Uniting Against Wildfire Threats

This campaign is a continuous effort to raise awareness and preparedness. It informs people across the state about current fire and drought conditions, offers tips for safeguarding life and property from wildfires, and delivers education on managing prolonged drought.

We're united in this effort with over three dozen government agencies and supporting organizations.

Hot Off the Press

  • June is Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! Month

    Wildfire, Drought, and Water Conservation Take Center Stage

    Download PDF

  • 2024 Dry Season Outlook

    May through September 2024 Dry Season Outlook

    Download PDF

  • Managing Effects of Drought in Hawai’i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

    How Is Drought Expressed in Hawai‘i and the U.S.-Affliated Pacifc Islands?

    Click Here to Read the Article

Do your part to prevent wildfires

  • Clear vegetation 10 feet around campfires and BBQs, keep a shovel and water nearby, and put them out COLD before walking away.

  • Be sure machinery (chainsaws, weed trimmers) and recreational vehicles with operating spark arrestors are maintained regularly.

  • Heat from vehicle exhaust systems can ignite dry grass - park cars on paved areas or where vegetation is trimmed and cleared.

  • Fireworks are a common cause of brushfires in dry, grassy areas - attend and enjoy public fireworks displays to maximize safety and fire protection.

14 Easy Wildfire Preparedness Action Ideas

  • Harden Your Home

    • Clear leaves and debris from gutters and roof

    • Maintain 6 inches between siding and ground

    • Cover eaves and vents with 1/8” mesh

    • Clear combustible materials next to and under home and lanai

    • Protect windows - clear vegetation, close them when the fire comes

  • Lighten Your Landscape

    • Create defensible space within 100 feet of the home or up to the boundary line

    • Keep grass short

    • Keep tree branches high off the ground

    • Clear brush and leaf piles

  • Plan Ahead

    • Create and practice a family evacuation plan

    • Include assisting neighbors with special needs in your evacuation plans

    • Make sure fire vehicles and personnel can defend your home from all sides

    • Make sure hydrants, pools, and water tanks are accessible

    • Work with your neighbors or community association to become better prepared for wildfire.

Join the Effort, Spread the Word!

Download these resources for you to explore and share with your network.

Make sure to use #WildfireLookout when posting to social media!

This year we teamed up with the Hawaii Drought Council to incorporate water conservation tips. Check out their infographics!

If you have any questions about drought information, please contact Kathleen Pahinui (Public Information Officer, Board of Water Supply) at (808) 748-5319 or kelliott-pahinui@hbws.org.

Translations

  • Wahi kiaʻi no nā ahi hihiu!

    Wildfire LOOKOUT! Translated to Hawaiian

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  • ⼭林⽕灾防控指南

    Wildfire LOOKOUT! Translated to Chinese

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  • 林野⽕災に備えて

    Wildfire LOOKOUT! Translated to Japanese

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  • BANTAY SUNOG!

    Wildfire LOOKOUT! Translated to Tagalog

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Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Guide

  • Ready, Set, Go! Hawaii: Your Personal Action Guide

    In this Action Guide, we provide an in-depth look at the tips and tools you need to prepare for a wildland fire threat (Ready), have situational awareness when a fire starts (Set), and evacuate early (Go!).

    The best practices presented in this guide should be known to all who desire to reduce wildfire risks to their homes, families, and assets.

    Download PDF

Preparing your families, home, and community for wildfires

This webinar equipped participants with essential strategies to prepare, respond, and stay safe in the face of wildfires. From creating defensible spaces to crafting evacuation plans, it covered it all. Don't wait until it's too late – give yourself knowledge and confidence.

Stay Informed: Monitor Hawaii's Drought Conditions

Check out the Hawaii drought monitor by Richard Tinker from NOAA/NWS/NCEP/CPC to stay informed about current drought conditions. Stay proactive and mitigate risks to our environment and communities.

Sign Up for County Emergency Management & Civil Defense Notifications!

Hawaii County

Maui County

Kauai County

State of Hawaii

Federal

City & County of Honolulu

Spread Awareness, Keep Communities Safe!

Use these sharable tips to print and post in commonly viewed areas, or share them with your network! Mitigating the destruction that these wildfires cause takes everyone’s effort and understanding. The more these tips can be shared with people across Hawaii, the safer all of the communities will be from wildfire.

Mahalo to all the incredible partners involved!

The Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! Campaign is brought to you by:

  • Agribusiness Development Corporation

  • Central West Olinda/Kula/Hana Soil & Water Conservation District

  • College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii

  • East Maui Watershed Partnership

  • East Molokai Watershed Partnership

  • Federal Fire Department

  • Hawaii Board of Water Supply

  • Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

  • Hawaii County Fire Department

  • Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency

  • Hawaii Dept. of Land & Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife

  • Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture

  • Hawaii Dept. of Land & Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management

  • Hawaii Drought Council

  • Hawaii Water Service Company

  • Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization

  • Honolulu Board of Water Supply

  • Honolulu Fire Department

  • Honolulu Department of Emergency Management

  • Kau/Puna/Waiakea Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Kauai Emergency Management Agency

  • Kauai Fire Department

  • Kauai Water Department

  • Kauai Watershed Alliance

  • Kohala Watershed Partnership

  • Kona Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership

  • Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership

  • Maui County Water Department

  • Maui Fire Department

  • Maui Emergency Management Agency

  • Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership

  • Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance

  • National Park Service

  • National Weather Service

  • The Kohala Center

  • The Nature Conservancy

  • Three Mountain Alliance

  • U.S. Army

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • U.S. Forest Service

  • U.S. Navy-Hickam/Pearl Harbor

  • United States Geological Survey

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

  • Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership