Mitigation Activities at Home

Each year, homes and businesses across the State of Hawaii are endangered by hundreds of wildland fires, particularly during periods of little or no rainfall. Residents can mitigate the effect of wildland fires by properly discarding their cigarette butts, as well as with activities in their yard, gutters, roof, and landscape.

Properly discard your cigarette butt in the appropriate receptacle. Cigarette butts start many of the wildland fires in Hawaii County.

Clear debris around your house. Shrubs, brush, and combustible debris on your property should be removed - especially within a radius of 30 feet at the base of your home. A contractor will usually charge $300-$500 to trim a large tree ($1000-$2000 to move). Trees maintained by the City or the State may not be pruned or removed by homeowners. Homeowners should contact the Highway Maintenance Department of the Public Works Division at 961-8349 to report a hazardous tree. Click here for additional information.

Clean roof and gutters regularly, to prevent accumulation of leaves that may become a fire hazard.

Install a Fire Resistant Roof. When wildfires and brush fires spread to houses, it is often because burning branches, leaves, and other debris are carried by the wind and fall on roofs. If the roof of your house is covered with wood or asphalt shingles, you should consider replacing them with fire-resistant materials. A permit needs to be obtained from the county building department at 961-8331 in Hilo and 327-3520 in Kailua-Kona if you are changing the type of roofing material. Call local contractor for more information and a price quote or click here for more information.

Plant a Fire Safe Landscape. A fire safe landscape isn't necessarily the same as a well-manicured yard. A fire safe landscape uses fire resistant plants that are strategically planted to resist the spread of fire to your home. The good news is that you don't need a lot of money to make your landscape fire safe. And you will find that a fire safe landscape can increase your property value and conserve water while beautifying your home. Ask your local nursery or a landscape contractor for assistance. Anyone with questions about home fire hazards or creating a family emergency plan can call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (808) 831-7765 or the Hawaii County Fire Department: 961-8346 (Hilo) or 327-3546 (Kona).