Hawaii Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Hawaii - May 13, 2026

Overview

Hawaii is currently experiencing a normal fire season year-to-date, with 186 high-confidence fire alerts reported so far in 2026, which aligns with historical averages. However, the state is facing an elevated future fire risk due to recent severe weather. Historic Kona Low storms in March and April 2026 brought heavy rainfall that spurred the rapid growth of invasive vegetation across the islands. As the state transitions into the drier summer months, fire officials warn that this dense vegetation will dry out, creating a massive "flashy fuel" load that could lead to rapidly spreading brush fires.

The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that national firefighting resources are currently manageable and available if needed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, there have been no major active wildfires threatening communities in Hawaii. Firefighters and emergency management agencies are using this period of low fire activity to focus heavily on mitigation, community risk reduction, and training ahead of the peak dry season.

Key Fires: There are currently no large, uncontained wildfires burning in the state.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Significant land management activities are underway to proactively manage fuel loads. On May 11 and 12, 2026, the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and the U.S. Forest Service successfully completed a major prescribed burn at the Schofield Barracks training area on Oahu. Joint fire crews treated over 1,700 acres of highly flammable, invasive Guinea grass to reduce wildfire risk and protect the native forest habitat of the endangered O'ahu 'elepaio bird. Notably, crews utilized an uncrewed aerial system (drone) to safely ignite remote sections of the training area.

Additionally, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is conducting flight operations throughout May to map and control invasive fountain grass and trees. Furthermore, the state is currently notifying award recipients for the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program, which provides up to $300,000 for local hazardous fuel reduction projects slated to begin on June 1, 2026.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the islands. Smoke from the recent prescribed burns at Schofield Barracks was strictly managed, though Central Oahu residents may have observed residual smoke earlier in the week.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Current conditions across much of the state, including Hawaii County, feature light rain, high humidity (ranging from 70% to 84%), and mild temperatures in the upper 50s to upper 60s. These damp conditions are currently keeping the immediate fire threat low.

Forecasted Weather: Over the next 72 hours, the forecast calls for continued periodic light rain and partly cloudy skies, maintaining higher humidity levels. However, meteorologists and fire officials are closely monitoring long-term forecasts. With the potential development of an El Niño pattern, officials are preparing for shifts in tropical cyclone activity and a subsequent strong drying trend that will rapidly dry out the abundant grass fuels across the islands.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With 99% of wildfires in Hawaii being human-caused, public prevention is critical. Residents are urged to avoid activities that produce sparks near dry vegetation, such as parking hot vehicles on grass or using heavy machinery during windy afternoons. Now is the ideal time to clear dead brush and create a defensible space around properties. Residents should also prepare an emergency "go-bag" and establish a clear evacuation plan before the dry season peaks.

Resource Allocation: Local agencies are actively engaged in fuel mitigation projects and community outreach, such as the Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign. Fire departments are pre-planning response strategies for high-risk areas with heavy fuel loads, ensuring that resources are ready to deploy swiftly when the dry weather arrives.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization: www.hwmo.org
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA): dod.hawaii.gov/hiema

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.