Hawaii Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Hawaii - April 22, 2026

Overview

Hawaii is currently experiencing a significantly reduced wildfire risk due to a series of severe storms over the last 72 hours. A deep weather system has brought torrential rain across the state, saturating soils and dampening potential fire fuels. Consequently, the primary emergency focus across the islands has temporarily shifted from wildfire suppression to flood response, swift-water rescue preparedness, and infrastructure protection. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is 2, indicating a moderate level of national readiness with stable resource capability.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently no active large-scale wildfires in the state. Recent heavy rainfall has saturated typical wildland fuels, effectively neutralizing ignition risks for the time being.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no active large-scale wildfires to report. Typical wildland fuels in the region, such as highly flammable guinea grass, dry brush, and invasive vegetation, have been heavily saturated by the recent severe weather, drastically lowering the fire threat.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The U.S. Army recently concluded its annual prescribed burn at the Schofield Barracks training range complex (April 13–19). This controlled burn was executed to manage invasive vegetation, such as guinea grass, that can fuel dangerous wildfires, and to protect the habitat of endangered species like the O'ahu 'Elepaio.

Furthermore, the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), recently opened the second funding round of the Hawaiʻi Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program. This provides $1.5 million in funding for wildfire mitigation projects statewide, focusing on hazardous fuels reduction, vegetation management, and defensible space improvements. Additionally, in alignment with Earth Day in April 2026, organizations like Treecovery Hawaiʻi are actively working to restore the tree canopy and improve soil health in areas impacted by the historic 2023 Lahaina fires.

Air Quality: With no active large-scale wildfires and heavy rainfall washing particulates from the air, air quality remains generally good across the islands.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A Flood Watch is currently in effect for the Hawaiian Islands due to severe weather impacts. Over the last 72 hours, recent storms have brought significant rainfall, with eastern parts of the Big Island recording 10 to 13 inches of rain, and eastern edges of Maui recording 6 to 12 inches. Temperatures remain in the 60s with high humidity levels ranging from 73% to 83%.

Forecasted Weather: The weather forecast for the coming days includes continued cloud cover, scattered thunderstorms, and chances of light rain. No Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect for Hawaii. According to the National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook, Hawaii's significant fire potential is expected to remain normal from April through July.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to remain vigilant regarding flood warnings and potential road closures due to runoff. While the immediate fire risk is low, residents should use this wet period to prepare their properties by clearing dead brush and creating defensible space around their homes before the dry season begins.
Resource Allocation: With wildfire activity at a minimum, emergency agencies are focusing on flood response, hazard mitigation projects, and community grant programs to clear high-risk areas statewide.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA): dod.hawaii.gov/hiema

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.