By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– The Honorable Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Chief of Staff Andy Sugg presented a proclamation to the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) to declare May 3, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in the City and County of Honolulu to encourage residents to take proactive steps in reducing wildfire risks to their homes and neighborhoods.
“Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action in creating safer and more resilient communities. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, extended droughts, and increased fuel loads. Homes and communities are at risk, but proactive preparedness today can reduce damage and save lives tomorrow,” said HFD Battalion Chief Pao-Chi Hwang.
Elizabeth Pickett, Co-Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), added, “Preparedness starts at home, but protecting our communities takes all of us together. Make it a goal to work with your neighbors this May [Wildfire Awareness Month] to start protecting your community. Every action that reduces risk increases protection!”
Below are a few simple steps the community can take to create defensible spaces and increase preparedness:
Download Honolulu Alert, the City’s emergency alert application, to be informed on severe weather systems, emergencies, and other important community news (http://www.hnlalert.gov).
Clear dried leaves, debris, and other flammable materials from your roof, gutters and under your lanai.
Keep grass mowed to a height of four inches or less.
Consider native, drought-tolerant plants around your home.
Contact the HWMO on tips to become a Firewise Community (hawaiiwildfire.org).
Review the HWMO’s Ready, Set, Go! Guide and other safety tips on our website (fire.honolulu.gov).