The Maui News

State emergency officials are urging residents to take steps such as clearing dead leaves and trimming tall vegetation as a fire weather watch takes effect today for leeward areas of all Hawaiian islands.

Conditions are not expected to be as hazardous as the hurricane-accelerated winds during the last red flag warning earlier this month, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said. However, the islands could see trade winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 45 mph, as well as low humidity today and Thursday that could increase the risk of fire spreading rapidly, according to the National Weather Service.

The state and its partners are coordinating additional firefighting resources, but the agency said the public also plays a vital part in reducing harm.

“This is a kakou situation, where we all have to do our part to protect our communities,” HI-EMA Administrator James Barros said in a news release Tuesday.

To reduce the risk of wildfires, the agency recommends:

• Using extreme caution with flame or heat sources outdoors. Do not burn items outdoors and be careful when using power tools or garden equipment that could strike sparks from stones. Do not allow chains, or other items that could produce sparks, to drag from vehicles.

• Never throwing cigarette butts or other burning items from a vehicle or into vegetation.

• Never parking on dry grass or vegetation; vehicle exhaust systems quickly become hot enough to start a blaze.

• Clearing dry vegetation and other flammable items away from around structures. The idea is to create at least 5 feet of “fire-free defensible space” around them to make it less likely that embers will spread a fire.

• Making sure your roof and gutters are free of dead leaves and other fuel that could give fire an easy place to start.

• Trimming tall vegetation around trees that could act as a “ladder” and allow flames to climb into the tree canopy and spread rapidly. Prune trees and shrubs near structures to create separation within the tree canopy.

Additional steps the public can take to be ready for emergencies include:

• Making a plan for how to safely leave home or work, and how to reunite with family after the imminent threat has passed.

• Gathering important documents and items such as birth certificates, ATM cards, driver’s licenses, insurance information and others you might need if you have to leave in a hurry.

• Preparing a “go kit” with clothing, food, water, a flashlight, battery-powered radio and other items. If ordered to evacuate, grab the documents and go kit and leave quickly.

• Having more than one way to receive information. Alerts may come via TV/radio, wireless emergency alerts on mobile devices, county alert systems and the all-hazard siren system, which indicates you should seek more information about the hazard. To sign up for emergency alerts by county, visit dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/.

For more information on preventing and preparing for wildfires, visit hawaiiwildfire.org and click on “Resources.”