(BIVN) – Wildfire risk is expected to increase in dry, leeward areas of Hawaiʻi island in the coming days, prompting an extension of the Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch that was already initiated by the Hawaiian Electric company.
The National Weather Service says “near critical fire weather conditions will hold for the next several days,” as relative humidity values decrease to near threshold values Tuesday and Wednesday. Winds are also forecast to be close to the threshold on Wednesday.
As of Monday evening, there were no Fire Weather Watches of Red Flag Warning in effect.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff remains in effect for Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Honolulu Counties. Hawaiian Electric says the primary risk will be on Wednesday for Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
“With an approaching high pressure system that is expected to prompt strong trade winds and downsloping winds that could dry out vegetation, Hawaiian Electric remains on elevated alert in case a Public Safety Power Shutoff becomes necessary,” the utility stated in a news release.
From Hawaiian Electric:
A PSPS watch means Hawaiian Electric has enhanced monitoring for areas at highest risk of wildfires. It does not mean power will be shut off, but rather that the company could do so if needed to reduce the risk of a fire. Customers in areas with high exposure to wildfire risk are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.
Hawaiian Electric’s criteria for determining a PSPS calls for the following criteria to be met concurrently: persistent drought conditions, wind gusts 45 mph and higher, and relative humidity below 45%. The company analyzes data from weather stations and cameras near its infrastructure in high-risk areas with potential for fire spread. Wind gusts can be stronger in higher elevations than in residential areas.
Outages that are not related to the company’s PSPS program could still occur due to high winds and other conditions. Should these outages occur at night, power will remain off until crews can inspect lines and equipment in the area as well as make any repairs if needed.
