Hawaii Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Hawaii - May 19, 2026

Overview

Hawaii is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk in specific leeward areas due to a combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong trade winds. While windward areas are receiving scattered showers, the dry brush on the leeward sides of the islands presents a potentially risky situation for rapid wildfire spread. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while multiple geographic areas across the country are experiencing wildland fire activity, national resources are currently sufficient to manage incidents without severe strain.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity in Hawaii remains near normal for this time of year, with 198 high-confidence fire alerts reported so far in 2026. There are currently no major uncontained wildfires threatening communities in the state. Firefighters and land management agencies are focusing heavily on mitigation, hazardous fuel reduction, and preparedness ahead of the peak dry summer months.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service recently completed a major annual prescribed burn at the Schofield Barracks training area. Joint fire crews successfully treated approximately 1,707 acres of invasive vegetation. The operation specifically targeted highly flammable fine fuels, such as Guinea grass, to reduce wildfire risk and protect native forest habitats. Notably, fire crews utilized uncrewed aerial systems (drones) to safely ignite remote and hard-to-reach sections of the training area.
Additionally, the state is actively investing in community risk reduction. The Hawaiʻi Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program is currently in its award notification phase for May 2026, distributing $1.5 million in funding for statewide mitigation projects to reduce hazardous fuels in areas where communities and wildlands meet.

Air Quality: Central Oahu residents may have observed residual smoke from the recent Schofield Barracks prescribed burn operations, but officials emphasize these are strictly managed events. Additionally, depending on wind directions, volcanic gas or "vog" from the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption may drift over visitor areas and communities, which can cause respiratory distress.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Windward mountain areas are seeing periods of scattered showers and locally heavy rainfall, aiding in keeping vegetation moist in those specific microclimates. However, leeward areas remain critically dry.
Forecasted Weather: High winds and low humidity are driving forces behind critical fire weather conditions. First Alert Weather Days and Red Flag Warnings have been declared for leeward areas across the state. Winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph, are expected to increase fire behavior for leeward neighborhoods downwind of the mountains.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in leeward areas should remain highly vigilant due to the Red Flag Warnings. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, clear dead brush and flammable invasive grasses from properties, and avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire.
Resource Allocation: Agencies are actively conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas before the dry summer months peak. The state's ongoing grant programs are also helping local partners improve firebreaks, evacuation routes, and vegetation management to support overall community safety.

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 (HI-EMA): dod.hawaii.gov/hiema
Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization: hawaiiwildfire.org

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.