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Don't wait: How Hawaiʻi residents can prepare for summer season

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The days are getting longer and the weather is warmer! As we head into the dry summer months, fire officials urge residents to remain vigilant for wildfires. Fire departments statewide are working with different agencies to raise awareness during May — also known as Wildfire Awareness Month. 'Our risk is high,' fire experts warn as summer approaches Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson explained that wildfires can cause 'significant destruction to homes, communities and public spaces.' The department said it is working with KEMA, Kauaʻi Police Department and the mayor's office to improve public alert messaging and incident management team training. As for residents and businesses, Kauaʻi fire officials offered various tips to help protect themselves from possible dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially if it's within the first five feet of the home Refrain from using invasive grasses as they can overgrow when unmanaged. Instead, consider replanting low-lying, drought-tolerant, native ground cover Flammable materials should be removed from decks, porches, lanai and underneath the house Keep your lawn hydrated and shorter than four inches tall around the home. Do not mow in the day's heat or when the wind blows; never mow in dry vegetation. Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread. Report possible fires — including signs of smoke or flames — to KPD dispatch and 911 if it's an emergency Large landowners and land stewards who want more guidance are encouraged to attend KFD's wildfire preparedness collaboration meeting in May. Interested attendees should contact KFD Fire Prevention Capt. Kaeo Kinoshita at jkinoshita@ Check out more news from around Hawaii More wildfire prevention tips can also be found on the 'Wildland Fire Action Guide & Safety Tips' tab of KFD's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.