Wildfire & Drought Lookout!

Protecting Paradise: 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.

Our Challenge

Wildfires significantly threaten Hawaii's landscapes, wildlife, and communities. With dry conditions and everyday activities contributing to the increased risk, it's crucial to take proactive measures to prevent and mitigate wildfires.

Every year, countless acres of land are consumed by flames, homes are destroyed, and lives are put in danger. We cannot afford to wait for disaster to strike.

It's time to act now.

Do your part to prevent wildfires

  • Clear, Cool, and Contain

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

  • Watch the Spark

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

  • Park Smart

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

  • Light Up the Sky, Not the Brush

    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!

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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Hot Off the Press

  • Wildfire & Drought Lookout! 2023 Press Release

    Stay ahead of wildfire risks! Learn about our ongoing campaign's latest alerts, resources, and mitigation efforts.

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  • Recent Wildfires Following Drought Conditions Across Hawai’i 2023 News Release

    Recent wildfires following drought conditions across Hawai‘i are causing concern. For the first time this summer, severe drought has impacted southern and western coastal areas of Maui, prompting warnings from firefighting agencies to exercise caution to prevent ignitions.

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  • NOAA’s 2021-2022 Wet Season Rainfall Summary for Hawaiʻi

    Wet season 2021-2022 fluctuated, eliminating drought in December, but returned by April, heightening wildfire risks.

    Download PDF

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 Civil Defense and Emergency Alerts!

Hawaii County

Maui County

Kauai County

State of Hawaii

Federal

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 and Drought LOOKOUT! Campaign is brought to you by:

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

  • Honolulu Fire Department

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

  • National Park Service

  • U.S. Army

  • Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture

  • Maui Fire Department

  • East Maui Watershed Partnership

  • Kau/Puna/Waiakea Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Kauai Water Department

  • Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership

  • The Kohala Center

  • Kohala Watershed Partnership

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

  • Federal Fire Department

  • U.S. Forest Service

  • U.S. Navy-Hickam/Pearl Harbor

  • Hawaii Board of Water Supply

  • The Nature Conservancy

  • Kauai Fire Department

  • Maui County Water Department

  • Kauai Water Department

  • Kauai Watershed Alliance

  • East Molokai Watershed Partnership

  • Three Mountain Alliance

  • University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa

  • Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization

  • National Weather Service

  • United States Geological Survey

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • Honolulu Board of Water Supply

  • Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership

  • Hawaii Fire Department

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

  • Kona Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership

  • Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership

  • Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance

  • Hawaii Water Service Company