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Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation
At KIUC, safety is our top priority. Since the August 2023 Maui wildfires, we’ve enhanced our emergency protocols for situations when the National Weather Service may issue a Red Flag Warning. Use the links below to learn more about wildfire preparation.
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The safety of our members, employees and the community at-large is the highest priority for KIUC. While emergency planning has always been a part of KIUC’s operational efforts, since the August 2023 Maui windstorm and wildfires, KIUC has focused on specific protocols to be used when the National Weather Service (NWS) signals that a Red Flag Warning may be issued. See the links below for more information on various topics related to wildfire preparation.
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions support extreme fire danger.
Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings. The criteria for the State of Hawaii includes:
Fire Weather Watch
A Fire Weather Watch is issued when there is a high potential for the development of a Red Flag event. Fire Weather Watches may be issued 12 to 72 hours prior to the expected onset of criteria.
Red Flag Warning
The criteria for Red Flag events is a Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) greater than or equal to 600, relative humidity less than or equal to 45 percent, and winds greater than or equal to 20 mph. Red Flag Warnings alert of the potential for widespread ignitions or control problems with new or existing fires.
More information about Red Flag Warnings can be found here.
KIUC has focused on specific protocols to be used when the National Weather Service (NWS) signals that a Red Flag Warning may be issued. KIUC's approach includes the following:
- Continual monitoring of weather reports/conditions, including KIUC's weather stations
- Maintaining communication/coordination with the Kauai Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders
- Line surveillance as necessary for situational awareness in the potential Red Flag Warning area
- Sensitive protection settings may be implemented to circuits so that once a breaker opens it will remain open. This means outages could be more frequent and have longer durations, as KIUC will need to patrol lines before re-energizing circuits
- Localized Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are possible in extreme conditions
KIUC will conduct mass and targeted member notifications to notify members of actions. Sign up to receive KIUC informational emails here.
Monitor KIUC’s Outage Map or Facebook page for updates on outages. You can also monitor KIUC’s Facebook feed on the home page of KIUC’s website.
PSPS preemptively de-energizes power lines during high-risk conditions, such as high wind events combined with hot and dry weather conditions. More specifically, in order to protect KIUC’s system, its employees, its members/customers and the general public, KIUC may decide it is prudent and/or necessary to pre-emptively de-energize power lines in response to a condition determined by the co-op to be hazardous and/or in the interest of public safety.
When considering this type of operation, KIUC examines the impacts on fire response, water supply, public safety, and emergency communications. KIUC also considers the external risks and potential consequences of a PI while striving to meet its main priority of protecting the communities and members/customers we serve. They include, but are not limited to:
- Potential loss of water supply to fight wildfires due to loss of production wells and pumping facilities that rely on electricity.
- Negative impacts to emergency response and public safety due to disruptions to the internet and mobile phone service during periods of extended power outages.
- Loss of key community infrastructure and operational efficiencies that occur during power outages.
- Medical emergencies for members of the community requiring powered medical equipment or refrigerated medication. Additionally, the lack of air conditioning can negatively impact medically vulnerable populations.
- Negative impacts on medical facilities, fire, police, and schools.
- Traffic congestion resulting from the public evacuation in de-energized areas can lengthen response times for emergency responders.
- Negative economic impacts from local businesses forced to close during an outage.
- The inability to open garage doors or motorized gates during a wildfire event.
The risks and potential consequences of initiating a PSPS are significant and extremely complex. However, in facing any disaster or a potential disaster, KIUC’s highest priority before, during and after a natural disaster or emergency event is the safety of its employees, its members/customers and the public. As a result, KIUC must reserve the option of implementing a PSPS when conditions dictate.
KIUC understands that poor communication during an emergency can further contribute to injury, property damage, and even death. In an effort to mitigate and avoid this, KIUC has developed protocols to ensure that appropriate and actionable information reaches all concerned stakeholders in a timely manner.
Whenever feasible, KIUC will begin notifying its members/customers approximately 72 to 48 hours in advance of a potential PSPS event, and will as soon as practical issue additional alerts and updates as the situation develops. Announcements will be made once the power has been deenergized, throughout the outage, and when power has been restored. There may be situations that prevent KIUC from providing advance notice. For example, the actual or sudden onset of extreme weather or hazardous conditions and other circumstances beyond the co-op’s control may impact coordination and notification efforts.
Information regarding the PSPS or other unplanned outages will be shared with stakeholders as soon as feasible to allow for the maximum amount of time to prepare and respond. During these times KIUC will utilize the following channels of communication:
- KEMA (Kauai Emergency Management Agency)
- Communications companies attached to or collocated with KIUC infrastructure
- News media outlets serving the affected areas
- KIUC’s mass email distribution list
- Instant, concurrent mass notification via email, phone and text via Everbridge subscription service
- KIUC’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram)
- Prominent postings on KIUC’s website (www.kiuc.coop)
- Talking points provided to KIUC member services representatives
- Direct calls to key accounts and identified special needs members
- KIUC’s online “Outage Center”
Wildfires are among the extreme weather events that are an increasing risk nationally and in Hawaii. Members must be prepared and do their part to mitigate the risk of dangerous wildfires.
- Maintain “defensible space” if you live next to a natural area. Creating a buffer zone by removing weeds, brush and other vegetation helps keep the fire away from your home and reduces the risk from flying embers.
- “Harden” your home to protect against fire damage. Using fire-resistant materials for roofs, decks, fencing, etc. can protect your home from fire damage.
- Create your own action guide and family disaster plan ahead of time so you know what to do if a fire occurs.
- If you have home medical equipment dependent on electricity, please let us know by calling 808.246.4300, or email us at info@kiuc.coop.
- Monitor weather conditions around Kauai using this tool
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Detailed information on how to prepare for homeowners, business and large land managers can be found here: RSG Action Guide
You should also be prepared for extended outages during RFW events:
- Understand what a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is and be prepared for sudden loss of power for an extended period.
- Protect your appliances and sensitive equipment from power outages and surges that may occur because of bad weather by using surge protectors
- If you have medical equipment dependent on electricity, make sure you have backup power available
- During a storm turn off and unplug all unnecessary appliances or equipment
- Keep a portable battery-powered radio and flashlights on hand with extra batteries
- In case of loss of power, when the power comes back on and is steady, gradually plug in your appliances
If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away and call 911.
KIUC recently developed and adopted a Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP). Learn more about how KIUC will be working to prevent and mitigate impacts of wildfires by viewing the WMP here.
View a recording of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission public hearing on the KIUC Wildfire Mitigation Plan (held September 23, 2025) here.
- The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization is a great source of information about wildfires and wildfire preparedness.
- Kauai Emergency Management Agency is a one-stop resource for information and preparation.
- National Weather Service provides real-time data for Kauai.
- The Tempest weather station map offers real-time weather information for equipment located on Kauai.
- Information on emergency power planning for residents with electricity-dependent medical needs.
- Video of Lihue Business Association briefing by KIUC on wildfire preparedness | 8.22.2024
- Video of Kauai County Council briefing by KIUC on wildfire preparation and mitigation | 6.19.2024
- Kauai County Council PowerPoint presentation | 6.19.2024
- KIUC’s Vegetation Management, Procedures, Clearance & Technical Guidelines (effective 07/01/2024)