Hawaii Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Hawaii - August 24, 2026

Overview

Hawaii is currently facing a complex emergency landscape. While the state typically experiences its highest wildfire risk during the dry summer months due to vast expanses of non-native, fire-prone grasses blanketing former agricultural lands, recent weather patterns are heavily influencing the immediate threat. The state is currently dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, which has brought a volatile mix of severe wind threats and tropical moisture. While rain can temporarily dampen wildland fuels, post-tropical cyclone winds can easily topple trees and power lines, creating new ignition hazards in leeward areas.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters have been actively responding to brush fires across the state over the last 72 hours. While incoming tropical moisture is expected to help lower the immediate fire threat in some regions, the strong, erratic winds accompanying recent storm systems pose a critical risk for rapid fire spread. Local and state agencies are maintaining high readiness for both fire suppression and storm response.

Key Fires:
Saddle Road Fire (Hawai'i County): Located off the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) near mile marker 46 in South Kohala, this fire has burned approximately 230 acres and is currently 60% contained. The fire is fueled primarily by dry brush and gorse. The Hawai'i National Guard (HING) aviation team deployed UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to conduct aerial fire suppression, executing dozens of water bucket drops to assist ground teams. Fire crews from the Hawai'i Fire Department, the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Pōhakuloa Training Area have been battling the blaze. The highway was previously closed for safety but has since been reopened to all traffic.

Wainiha Brush Fire (Kaua'i): Located near Ananalu Road and Anahulu Road in Wainiha, this fire initially sparked on August 20, 2026, and has burned approximately 100 acres. It is fueled primarily by dry brush and invasive grasses typical of unmanaged lands. Over the last 72 hours, crews from the Hanalei fire station and Air 1 have been actively responding to reports of smoke and smoldering hot spots to prevent reignition. There are no active flames, and no injuries or structural damage have been reported. Firefighters remain on the scene to mop up and perform fire watches.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: To protect air quality and mitigate fire risk, the Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Air Branch has issued mandatory No Burn Periods. On Hawai'i Island, a No Burn Period is in effect for the North and South Kona Districts until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026. Additionally, a No Burn Period for the Ka'u District remains in effect until further notice. All agricultural and conditionally allowed open burning is strictly prohibited in these areas, and violations may result in civil and administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per day.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Scattered thunderstorms and partly sunny conditions are present in Hawai'i County today, with high temperatures around 74°F and a 65% chance of rain.
Forecasted Weather: The region is closely monitoring post-tropical cyclone conditions following Hurricane Lala. While the moisture brings some relief, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu notes that erratic winds can dry out grasses quickly. The NWS reminds the public that Red Flag conditions are triggered for leeward portions of the state when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is ≥ 500, relative humidity is ≤ 45%, and sustained winds are ≥ 26 mph. Residents should remain vigilant, as wind events can still drive rapid fire spread in dry, leeward areas even if a formal Red Flag Warning is not currently active.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency "Go Bag" in place and to clear dead brush, dried vegetation, and other debris from the first 5 feet around properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: The Hawai'i National Guard's Operation Ho'opauahi remains active, keeping aviation assets like CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters on standby during the wildfire season to rapidly support local agencies when flare-ups occur.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA): dod.hawaii.gov/hiema
Hawai'i County Civil Defense Agency: hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense
Kaua'i Emergency Management Agency: kauai.gov/KEMA
National Weather Service - Honolulu: weather.gov/hfo

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.